In this day and age of extreme kids' parties and over-the-top celebrations. . .there is still much to be said about having a simple, low-key birthday party for your child - one that celebrates them and shows how special they are. That's really what it's all about it int he end, celebrating the life of your child.
A few years ago, I gave my oldest the choice between a birthday party with friends, or a family weekend at the beach. Luckily he chose the long weekend at the beach, and it's been a family tradition for many years now.
But we still celebrate the day he was born. The night before the big day, I decorate with some streamers, balloons and a sign I made that we re-use for everyone's birthday.
I had an idea to list out 11 reasons why he's so great (since it was his 11th birthday). . .I'm planning to do 5 reasons for Owen when he turns 5 in a couple of weeks. This is something you could add on to year after year as your kids grow.
There's a cake of the birthday boy's choice - typically it's chocolate with chocolate icing.
The birthday boy also gets to plan the dinner menu. This year, Ryan chose steak and baked potatoes.
And of course, presents. . .just a few things that he really wants.
It doesn't take a lot of money or time to show your kids they mean the world to you.
What are some of the birthday traditions in your family?
catch you soon -
My oldest daughter's birthday is the day before Christmas. It gets lost in the shuffle of traveling to inlaws for the holiday. She is in college now and we stil can't seem to make it special. Hopefully some day we will!
ReplyDeleteI like the beach trip idea too.
We don't have huge birthday parties for either kid and they don't invite every kid in the class. They make decisions about who they want to invite & the food. I've found the kids have had a great time at our simple parties playing charades! I don't think we've spent more than $100 on a party in years :) Great post!
ReplyDeleteA perfect party! We make the day all about the birthday child. They choose the meals, the special things we'll do, the cake or cupcakes. It makes our girls feel even more special when they dictate how to spend the day.
ReplyDeleteYes, parties are CRAZY these days. All the fanfare is unnecessary.
We've done it both ways. This year the trend is smaller, a few friends and or family. It's more about the birthday kid than the guests that way. And isn't that the way it's supposed to be?
ReplyDeleteI love the birthday list idea and I am stealing it!!!