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The Joy of Simple Birthday Celebrations
by Jenna Fisher
April 23, 2023
Two weeks ago, I celebrated my daughter’s first birthday. Unlike many modern parents, I didn’t spend my time crafting elaborate cakes shaped like mythical creatures, nor did I shell out a fortune on personalized invitations from trendy online shops. There were no hours devoted to making intricate cupcake designs resembling beloved cartoon characters, nor did I transform a watermelon into a whimsical sea turtle. I didn’t create a balloon display worthy of a fairytale carriage, nor did I set up a DIY photo booth complete with thematic decorations.
To clarify, I’m not completely devoid of holiday spirit. I did manage to print photos of my daughter taken over the past year and hang them around the room, supplemented by leftover decorations from a bridal shower. On the day of the party, a friend kindly brought over helium balloons, I baked a simple cake, and my husband prepared some easy snacks. And that was the extent of our preparations.
It’s not that I lack interest or care for my daughter’s special day; rather, I made a conscious choice to resist the overwhelming standards that seem to engulf today’s parents—especially mothers. While party planning often falls into the realm of women, I believe that we should not feel pressured to meet extravagant expectations.
Gone are the days when a simple gathering with cake and ice cream was sufficient. Nowadays, the bar is set exceedingly high, often requiring parents to take out loans to fund extravagant events featuring bespoke cakes, professional videographers, and an endless array of DIY projects. If you doubt this, just browse “child’s birthday party” on Pinterest. The current trend involves spending months hunting for vintage fabrics to craft a “Happy Birthday” banner or sacrificing sleep to create tiny embellishments for straws.
While it is wonderful to find inspiration online, this barrage of complex ideas can leave many feeling more stressed than motivated. The pressure to either pull off an incredible party or risk being labeled a neglectful parent can be daunting.
In the past, the one parent who went above and beyond would only make a small circle of moms feel inadequate. Now, with the reach of social media, that same overachiever can inadvertently affect an entire community.
I have no issues with parents who thrive on organizing large-scale birthday parties. Many mothers embrace the challenge and take pride in their intricate planning. If that’s your passion, I wholeheartedly support it. But for those of us who feel the weight of Pinterest-induced pressure, I propose we join together in a movement celebrating simplicity. Skip the custom water bottle labels, forget about color-coordinated treats, and maybe even forgo a specific theme. Instead, focus on enjoying the day with your child, free from the stress of excessive preparation.
Let me clarify, this isn’t a rant against children’s birthday parties. I cherish my kids more than anything. However, I refuse to equate extravagant celebrations with my love for them. What do kids truly enjoy? Cake and presents. So, take a breather, fellow parents. I assure you, if you opt out of the elaborate decorations, your child will not hold it against you.
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In summary, simple birthday parties can be just as memorable and cherished as their extravagant counterparts. By choosing to focus on what truly matters—celebrating your child—you can alleviate the pressures of modern parenting.
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