Time to Party
Let’s talk kids’ birthday parties..
I love a good birthday party. Friends getting together and celebrating, the laughter that can fill a room… of course these are things “BC” (i.e. Before Covid). And while the laughter and the friends are what make any party a great one, I am also guilty of falling victim to Pinterest worthy party setups.
Exhibit A: My daughter’s first birthday party, aka Sawyer’s First Fiesta. I designed and printed the cutest invitations which I ended up sending digitally because the guest list would be easier to keep track of. We had decor on the front porch, decor everywhere you looked inside (including the bathroom), and in the backyard, a margarita machine and 60+ RSVPs. For a one-year-old. We spent more dollars than I care to admit on that party… and I was stressed out the entire time.
Now fast forward to present times..
Coronavirus has limited gatherings and changed birthday parties. I took a deep sigh of relief hoping I wouldn’t feel the strong sense of obligation I tend to feel most years for my kids’ birthdays. So this year, my daughter’s 4th birthday simply included 3 families, donuts from Shipley’s (a Texas staple), a Starbucks traveler, and mimosas. Her cake was from HEB grocery store, a friend re-gifted her daughter’s unicorn cake decor and I added strawberries for the mane. And it was great!
Suffice to say, I needed a reminder that the expectations we put on ourselves can sometimes create the biggest obstacles to celebrating what matters most.
To be clear, there is nothing wrong with going all out for your child’s birthday party. In fact, if you’re able I commend you. I’ve always been envious of the girl I call my sister as she has the incredible capability to pull together an amazing party full of the most thoughtful and creative ideas. And, she manages to enjoy it!
That’s just not me. It took me a long time to be OK with that. And while that shouldn’t be used as an excuse not to try, I don’t have to find my value based my ability to match up to someone else’s strength. The comparison game is a losing battle.
So, to any woman like me, who becomes a giant ball of anxiety trying to pull together a Pinterest worthy party…
You are enough.
Your friends and family will not think more or less of you because of your decorations, your food, your drinks. They love you. And whether you can be a “perfect” host or throw a “perfect” party will not change how valuable you are.
