Birthday Parties

 Growing up I remember having a birthday party every year for several years. I was born in January so I also remember a lot of my friends were unable to come to those parties for two main reasons: snow and lack of funds/motivation to go to a party after Christmas not so long ago. I was not completely oblivious to the fact very few showed up once we got older. My mom was not really in the best financial position to have a party but felt bad if she didn't. The fact that it's the norm to have a party (and sometimes ridiculously extravagant ones) puts a lot of pressure on a parent and especially if you're low budget planning. I don't remember exactly when she decided but I do remember that one day she finally made the decision to change things up.

No more yearly birthday parties.

From now on it would be every other year we would have a party where we'd have a theme, invite friends and play games. On the off years we would have an immediate family only celebration with cake and ice cream that was quiet and inexpensive. And on those off years she would also take the birthday child out to a restaurant of their choosing and do something fun with them. Once we hit 13 the parties were fewer. One at 12 or 13, one at 16 and one at 21. 

It's shocking for those who are used to partying every year for each kid but I think this idea is fantastic. I love planning the parties but I can't afford it every year. So I think it's what I will do as well. The goal of this arrangement is to help the child be more appreciative and take the time to enjoy the party we parents worked so hard putting together! And on the years we do a one on one we can do a birthday child and parents only day too so it will be a sole focus on them!

If you love this idea but you need help planning, send me a message! I'm more than willing to help give you some ideas for either the parties or the family only day. I will also post ideas occasionally to hopefully get those creative juices going!