First, let me start by saying that I see nothing wrong with birthday parties or families that have them. They can be a lot of fun. However, birthday parties are just not for us. This is why:
Who is it for?
That’s an easy one, right? It’s for the kid, of course. But, is it really? I’ve been to several birthday parties and I usually see food and drinks catered toward the adults. I’ve heard plans for parties where the parents are stressed because they are trying to figure out something that all the adults will eat. Whatever happened to the cake being enough? Parents should not be stressed out just because they want to celebrate their child. Which brings me to the next point…
Less Stress
No party = less stress. No mess to clean up. No posing for a thousand pictures with kids that will not cooperate. No worrying about missing out on important moments. No trying to figure out which bakery can do the cake. No shopping for party decorations that no one has. No stress. Which is how it should be.
No Missing Out
Parents are so busy at birthday parties. They make sure all the food is out. They make sure everyone has something to eat. They make sure everyone has a place to sit. There is no time for them to slow down and just enjoy the moment with their child. At the end of the day, I am sure many parents sit down and realize that they missed some moments because they were so busy.
Saves Money
Not having to buy plates, cups, silverware, party decorations, and food can save you a lot of money. That money can be used towards more gifts for your child, or even a trip that you can go on as a family.
Again, I am not saying that birthday parties are bad, they are just not for us. However, if you are tired of birthday parties and are looking for some alternatives, try these:
Take A Trip
This is what we like to do. As long as we are able to, we will always take our daughter on a trip for her birthday. This year, we are planning on going to St. Louis. We will take her and do things she likes and
Make Their Day Special
You don’t have to go out-of-state to celebrate. Instead, fill the day with some of your child’s favorite things. For our child, that would be going to the park, visiting the zoo, eating BBQ or crab legs, and dancing and singing together. I promise your child will have so much fun getting to do their favorite things while spending quality time with you.
Have A Party
But aren’t these suggestions supposed to be for those that are tired of parties? Yes, but if you really want family and friends to be a part of your child’s day, then have a party…BUT, do it how you want. Do not worry about what everyone will eat, and j
Why We Skip Parties
Like I mentioned above, we love to take our child on trips for her birthday. It is more important for us that she has experiences rather than material things, and that she gets quality time with us. She is not going to remember who showed up on her second birthday or what her cake was, but I want her to remember that she traveled and had fun spending quality time with her parents.
What About Family?
You may be saying, “But what about family? They want to be part of the celebration!”
Of course, they do. Our family can come by at any time and see our daughter for her birthday. Yes, we will be gone on her actual birthday, but anytime before we leave, or after we get back, they are welcome to stop by and spend time with her. This also allows them quality time with her, whereas, at a party, she would be to busy to spend time with everyone.
We do not do it to hurt anyone’s feelings. We love our family and our thankful that they want to be part of everything, but we are just doing what we think is best for our family.
Be sure to subscribe so you do not miss out on how we have decided to cut down on gifts for our daughter. That post and much more will be coming soon!