Children’s birthday parties fall
into the aforementioned not-a-planner category.
Immediately
after my oversight, I think about how I would like to be more on top of things
next year, but the outcome is always the same:
One month before
individuals birthday: Oh, so-and-so’s birthday is coming up.
Two-to-three
weeks before said birthday: Ask child what they want to do for their birthday.
One week before
birthday: Crap! So-and-so’s birthday is in a week! I haven’t (called the location, sent
invitations, planned or bought anything, let alone make any cutesy things from
Pinterest).
This year
one of my girls wanted to invite friends
from school. Read: mothers I don’t
know attending the party. And yes, I
still went through above steps like I do year after year, inwardly cringing and
trying not to worry about what they might think about our scaled down version
of children’s birthday parties.
To be completely honest with you, I have never been one to focus on presentation. No one has ever accused me of emulating Martha Stewart. If you come over, my house will be fairly clean and neat, and I will serve you delicious food. However, I cannot promise that you will be served on cutesy plates or that my cakes, though delicious, will not be lopsided. My girls’ hair will be brushed, but most likely not be braided, in a ponytail, or in any other stylish fashion. And they may or may not be wearing perfectly matching clothes, because I’m okay with letting them dress themselves.
Our choices don't bother me until other people's eyes are watching. What will they think because we don't..? I fear they are judging my mothering skills or my love for my children because we do life differently than they do. And this little voice in the back of my head wants me to worry about everything not being "perfect."
Christmas
is almost here. More than any other time
of year, the pressure is on to have the house just-so. You absolutely must have a Christmas activity
planned for each day, Elf-on-the-Shelf cleverly posed, a Jesse tree, Advent
readings, homemade gifts for teachers and neighbors, 12 days of Christmas for
your hubby, and the perfect gifts and crafts for your children.
“Too much
of a good thing” is a very real possibility. It's enough to make a sane person go mad. I want you to stop. Take a breath. Step back. What really makes your heart happy?
What adds value to your family?
Make these decisions based on your family, not mine or anyone else’s. Let
the rest go. I promise you the world will not come crashing down around you.
The kids
helped decorate the Christmas tree tonight.
This is one of my favorite Christmas traditions. I love how the ornaments on the tree—popsicle
sticks, glitter, and photos mixed with the more delicate items—tell the story
of our family. It may not look perfect,
but it’s our masterpiece. And there are only a few short years before this tradition is only a memory.
As far
as the birthday party? When asked, the
birthday girl said it was “the best birthday party ever.” I guess that puts it all in perspective.
