Amy Lipson To Party or Not to Party?
These days, between Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest, the pressure to throw a lavish party for an infant has become a bit overwhelming.
I had already pretty much decided against it -it was going to require an amount of time and energy I did not feel up to committing. In addition, It would be an unnecessary financial burden. Yet as the date approached, I began to question my decision. Was I a bad mom for not having a party? Was I being selfish? This was my struggle the last few months leading up to Noa’s first birthday.
I did research on venues, local party spaces, bounce houses, pony rentals, themes and decor. (And don’t even get me started on how many freakin’ hours I spent on Pinterest!) For some reason, no matter how much research I did, I was really having trouble finding the motivation. There was a lot going on in my life. A lot of stress between work, family and finances which all combined, felt really overwhelming.
By nature, I’m a procrastinator- but as the date approached, I was on another level.
After a particularly trying day, I did some real soul-searching and came to the conclusion that I simply was not ready for this. I decided against a party. My husband was great and supported my decision which really helped. We celebrated with a small dinner and cake, inviting only close family. We decorated with some balloons and streamers around the table which were easy and budget friendly. (The balloons are a must-you can fasten them to each of your little one’s appendages which makes for great fun for everyone!) We laughed, we enjoyed each other’s company and were grateful to share this milestone together.
This was the right decision for our family.
If you have the resources for a big party, then yes, why not? (Who doesn’t love a good party?) But if you don’t, It’s ok to keep things simple. There is no need to incur debt or take on undue stress because you feel it’s expected. If you’re having trouble finding the motivation, maybe there’s a reason.
Do what makes sense for you.
There will be time enough for parties. For crafting, decorations, costumes, backdrops, balloon arches- and all of that Pinterest shit. Time to make memories, to travel, for holidays and celebrations.
Moments our little ones will actually remember.
