In early November, my family celebrated a significant milestone: the final birthday of 2020 in our household. Just like the previous four modest celebrations during the COVID era, this one was centered around my son’s 8th birthday, filled with his favorite foods, video calls with grandparents, a few gifts, and the joy of actually playing with those gifts.
This year marked the first time none of my kids had a grand birthday bash. There was no extravagant theme (think Unicorn Ninja Party!), no goody bags stuffed with items no one really wanted, and no stress over choosing between an overpriced venue and the chaos of hosting sugar-fueled kids at home. And you know what? It was delightful.
I’m not suggesting that past celebrations were all bad; my kids had their share of fun, and we certainly created many joyful memories. However, things had become a bit excessive. The pressure to invite the entire class loomed large. It was expected not only to provide cake or cupcakes but also enough food for a feast. Moreover, regardless of whether the invitation mentioned “no gifts,” most guests felt obliged to bring one. The parties we organized and attended often illustrated the saying, “Too much of a good thing can be overwhelming.”
As my kids grow older and begin to prioritize time with their friends over family, I understand the importance of celebrating birthdays with peers. However, the social limitations imposed during the pandemic have encouraged us to rethink our approach to birthday parties, and lavish events are one aspect we’re reconsidering. A celebration doesn’t have to be extravagant to be memorable; in fact, the most enjoyable parties are often the simplest. Just gather a few close friends, add a sweet treat and some balloons, and everybody will have a blast.
Another great advantage of keeping birthday gatherings small is that it helps families reclaim their weekends. I don’t miss the frantic, chaotic Saturdays filled with back-to-back birthday parties, which often ended in tears—both from my kids and sometimes from me.
We’ve attended some lavish birthday parties that likely cost a small fortune, and while we enjoyed the spectacle and extravagant cakes, we found just as much joy in the more intimate, laid-back celebrations. It’s essential to remember that creating happy memories for our children doesn’t require extravagance. Ultimately, that’s the only goal that truly matters.
This article was initially published on November 20, 2020.