Sundays are not what they used to be – lazy days in pajamas with the kids; pouring over the papers over endless cups of tea; radio playing merry songs – no, not even close. Sundays are now hurried days when you get up, get dressed, dress the kid/s, and head off for a birthday party, wondering on the way weather the gift you decided to buy was appropriate enough, because some people give return gifts that are more expensive than the one you took them!
At one level, I want to say “lump it”, I’ll do what I can and not worry about how elaborate people want to make their kids’ parties. And I do do that. I usually don’t worry too much about it. But then you get to the party and you see the effort that’s been put in (not to mention the money) – electric trains, cars, big bouncies, catered food, tattoo artists..etc etc..and your daughter looks at you and says, “mama I want a big train at my birthday too”. Then you wonder why you came? Or, rather, you wish someone would stop this madness.
I want to go back to the days when a birthday meant some chocolate cake and playing treasure hunt at home.
Where are all the sane people? Someone stop this. Maybe I should.
mommyrage.com 
People go crazy in the States too — especially in the wealthier areas.
I’m curious… Is it really a lot of effort though, if you fork over a bunch of money for all the “bells and whistles” for your 3 year-old’s birthday party and hire a couple of cheap laborers to do the set-up? I’ve been to parties where the moms have MADE everything — cake, goody bags, etc. — and they were still lovely parties. The kids had a great time, and the parents didn’t have to break the bank just to provide the kids with a little fun.
Hear, hear! I couldn’t agree more. My birthday parties consisted of simple games, cake, presents, then running around in the backyard. And we loved it!
Thanks for visiting my blog! I find yours very refreshing too.