As I prepare for my son to turn 3 in a few short days, I’m finding myself, yet again, faced with the dreaded birthday party! It’s not that I don’t like celebrating my children, or hosting a party, it’s just… well, it’s just exhausting!
Some people (the smart ones, in my opinion) have a small intimate party for their kids; Immediate family, and maybe a friend or 2, some cake and ice cream and call it a day! Other’s go all out with a complete Pinterest worthy party, that could be compared to “My Super Sweet 16,” but for a 3 year old. You know what I’m talking about, that MTV show where these little rich brats have sweet 16 parties that cost more than my home and cry when their parents get them a BMW instead of a Ferrari. Not that I know anyone who’s getting their 3 year old a car, but the amount of time and money put into some of these parties is outrageous. And I’ve tried the Pinterest suggestions, but mine usually come out looking more like an epic fail. But don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a super cute theme, I’m just not about going broke, just for some good pictures. I mean, I have come close, but I still think it’s dumb! Come to think of it, I usually forget to take many pictures anyways!
Some themes we’ve done over the years:
Princess
Yo Gabba Gabba
Wizard of Oz
Ballerina
You are my Sunshine
Rainbow
Sweet Treat
Bubble Guppies
Pink and Gold
Minions
Peppa Pig
Shimmer & Shine
Cleveland Indians
Painting Party
Fiesta
Good Lord, that’s a lot of parties! It’s craziness!
And I really do try to keep it small. We only invite grandparents, aunts, uncles, a few cousins and very close family friends. But, when you and your spouse come from large families, “small” is more like 50 people! Sometimes I forget I know that many people until I start the invite list! Kidding.. kinda.
And how do we feel about RSVPs? I ask, because I’m kind of indifferent. Well, I guess that’s because most people don’t tend to respond these days. I’ve gotten smart and started putting “Regrets Only” on the invites, but usually people ignore that also! I mean, it’s just common courtesy, right? Apparently NOT!
I’ll tell you one thing that my husband and I have made a tradition, after the 5th birthday, no more big parties!
Okay, that’s kind of a lie. What I mean is, no more big family parties that I have to clean and decorate my whole house for. From the 6th birthday on, they will have a ‘friends only’ party! We’ve still done some fun things, like renting a skating rink, going to the movies, and sleepovers. My 6 year old even had a party at the Humane Society last year!
These kind of parties sometimes cost more than I like to spend, BUT, I don’t have to do anything! There’s less planning and my personal favorite, less CLEANING! And let’s be honest, the kids have way more fun!
I guess that’s what it all comes down to, we want our kids to have fun. Sometimes, seeing their faces light up when they see all the decorations, that’s what makes it all worth it. And sure, sometimes we just like to show that we can host a damn good party!
Now if you will excuse me, I have a 3 year old’s birthday to get ready for. And don’t think after all this complaining, I don’t have a theme. You bet we do. Toy Story it is, for my big guy! There will be a banner, a few table decorations and the usual, pinata. I even splurged and bought the fancy cake plates and napkins! #WINNING! It might not be Pinterest worthy, but you better believe he’s gonna love it! But for now, I’ve got baseboards to clean, floors to mop and wine to drink! Bottoms Up!
The Meltdown Mama 