Oh my goodness, Baby Brain has reared it’s ugly head. Again. I showed up for my niece’s first birthday party, two kids and a babysitter in tow, at the end. The party was called for 5 to 7, and for some ungodly reason, I had it in my head that it was from 7 to 9. What kind of person throws a birthday party for a baby at 7 at night? That should have been my first hint that I was waaaay off base. By the time we arrived, there were only about 75 people still milling about. I am not kidding you. And my sister-in-law told me that most everyone had already left. So how many people were at this party in the first place?
There was a huge bouncy thing:
That’s Pea, front and center.
There was a second bouncy thing that also had a slide. There was a dunking machine. And there was a petting zoo that was being packed up as we arrived. It made me feel silly because for Pea’s first birthday, we had a nice quiet lunch at our house with just close family. And I know it was lovely, and I know that, for my tastes, my niece’s party was over-the-top. We just don’t do that here. The whole thing reminded me of an article I read recently in the Wall Street Journal about the rising (insanely rising) costs of children’s birthday parties. I know it all comes down to ego. But the kids had fun, and that’s what matters most.
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Thankfully, my husband thinks the party was as obnoxiously ridiculous as I thought it was. We are on the same page. And I’m proud to say that my little Pea could’ve cared less for the pink pony. She was heavily into the balloons. And balloons are cheap. I was proud that it doesn’t take an elaborately expensive set-up to amuse my kid. Of course, she is only 2 and this will probably change. But for now, I will take it. And the birthday girl? I asked her mama how she was enjoying her party, and she said, and I quote, “she had fun playing with the sticks & dirt.” Well, duh. She is ONE. She had no clue. So really, this party was clearly for the parents, with their big egos. I get it. But how, you ask, will I explain to my girls why they can’t have Cirque du Soleil perform at their birthday party? And why a 15-year old girl doesn’t need TWO pairs of Chanel sunglasses? Or a Lexus for her Sweet 16? I think we’ll just move away. Far, far away. That’s the only solution I’ve come up with so far. Really, I can deal when it’s someone else’s kid, like a classmate, but when it’s kids in your own family, and everyone acts like it’s so normal to be so conspicuous – how do you deal with that? I’m hoping to put it off – having to face it – for as long as possible.
WOW. Boy, have you hit a hot button with this one, missy. I could go on for days regarding this subject, but this is YOUR blog…not mine. Long story short, I am a corporate event planner. I started out my business strictly with personal referrals…doing large bridal/baby showers, anniversary parties, receptions..you get the gist. My first child’s birthday party began as a favor to a former college roomate. Easy, right?!?! Well, word spread and I was overwhelmed with calls from “fluff-n-puff” mommies with nothing better to do than outdo each other. I decided to double my fee hoping that would discourage them. Nope. Then I decided to limit my availability to weekdays only. Nope. Those deep-pocket mommas showed no mercy. It got to the point I was completely disgusted with the ego and greed being displayed in front of their children. Pathetic. What are these young impressionable little people learning about life??? When will enough be enough!?!? My last children’s event was two years ago….the total cost was over $7K and the 6yr old birthday girl started crying at her party because she didn’t get the $300 cell phone she wanted. Her parents only bought her one that cost around $200. Someone should have called child protective services on those cruel parents…..poor girl.
(insert smirk here)
Have you thought about how you are going to explain to your daughter one day why her cousin has such extravagant birthday parties compared to everyone else?? That would be a tricky one…especially when it’s HIS family. YIKES.