Pinterest Birthday Parties

​We just attended my youngest nephew’s first birthday party.  It was amazing.  The theme was Down on the Farm.  The decorations were wonderful.  Both my sisters worked really hard to make them all.   They had banners, individual labels for all the food, a train big enough for my nephew to sit in made out of cardboard, and much more.  My older sister spent quite a bit of money and time.  It paid off, I guess.  My nephew won’t remember it except in pictures.  The decorations were all thrown away at the end.  Who were all the decorations really for?  I mean, my nephew would have loved the party no matter what.  In fact, all the kids would have.  They had sack races and ate great food.  

Now, I don’t mean to be a butt.  My sister always has great parties with great decorations.  I am not as talented as her but I have tried.  I bought all homemade decorations last year for my son’s fifth birthday party (since there was no way I could do Pinterest standards).  My son is old enough to remember it but that wasn’t what he talks about.  He would have been happy with plates with Paw Patrol on them.  No need for all the other decorations.  

So why do we do it?  I think my older sister likes it but I also think she does more than necessary in order to look like a good hostess.  Pinterest has changed the way we view parties and gatherings.  Is it necessary though?  I think not.  I’ve decided for my son’s birthday this year, I will just buy the plates (and maybe napkins).  That’s it.  I’m giving myself permission to take it easy, not spend so much time and money.  

If you love Pinterest because you are truly crafty and get pleasure from it, I say go for it.  I’m not.  So I’m going to stop kicking myself for not living up to some make believe standard I’ve set based on what others can do.  It will be okay if other parents are not impressed with my party.  As long as the kids have fun.  
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I will say that part of me will feel bad that I’m not going all out on his party.  It makes me sad I feel that way.  It makes me sadder to think others feel that way too.  Let’s throw away that guilt!

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