We've been celebrating birthdays this month. With Fiona starting things off, turning 6 years old on the 16th (with a first wiggly tooth for authenticity), we've begun our month of celebrations. To make things as easy as possible on me, as well as protect against someone not being celebrated, should a new baby arrive on the scene and shake things up, we decided to do our small family celebrations on Sundays during our weekly Family Dinner at my parent's house. It was a truly inspired idea and has made celebrating these special occasions smooth and enjoyable for all of us.
My Mom has allowed us to leave up decorations week to week (with my brother adding a few more each week to keep thing interesting), and we have continued on with our normal potluck type dinners to keep things simple (this past week was corned beef, of course, for St. Paddy's Day). I usually make the birthday cakes before church on Sundays, while the kids are still in bed - quick and painless. And thanks to some nesting and forethought, we've had their birthday gifts stowed under my bed for weeks. So even if I don't make it to this last one, I know it can and will go off without a hitch.
Sometimes I feel a bit glum about not throwing great big parties with all of our friends for my children. But the wonderful thing about being from a large, close family is that even our "small, family only" celebrations have around 20 people in attendance. To make the actual day of their birth extra special, we are having the children pick out their favorite dinner and breakfast, and we say special prayers over them. Gifts we have kept light - a few handmade things, needed items and one or two toy or art supplies items usually do the trick. This year I made the girls skirts, they were given tea sets, Fiona got some new sandals and Dinah a little loom project kit. Jonah is getting sandals and a bike, since he doesn't have one yet.
Simple and practical, yes, but still quite fun and really all that they need. To them, this is what a birthday is - people all around who love them, celebrating the gift that they are in our lives. I am so very blessed to be Mama to these 3 amazing people and can't wait to see the adults that they become.
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I can completely relate to the family-only celebrations. That's what we've done since we had children, but I felt a little guilty at first with all of my friends throwing these huge celebrations. Each friends' birthday party we attended, I was reminded why I kept it simple. The children get so overwhelmed with presents and people. Its easy to lose sight of the importance of the child being the gift. I also try very hard to keep our toys to a minimum so that each gift given doesn't lose its meaning to our kids. That's rather difficult when there is a mountain of presents to tear through and toss to the side.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right, of course. I love being somewhat more in control of what items our children receive and not filling the house with things they never play with or don't need.
DeleteIt all sounds lovely! We actually keep birthday celebrations very small, just the people who were there to welcome our little man into the world...my husband and I, my parents and my little mans god parents. We head out for a hike and then enjoy a late lunch back at our place, always a good time. And gifts are kept simple too.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy all the celebrations!
I love that the same people continue to celebrate his life who were there at the very beginning! Wonderful <3.
DeleteMy girl is turning six this month, too. I wanted to get her a loom kit as well! Would you share which one you bought?
ReplyDeleteSure! We bought this one: http://www.amazon.com/Harrisville-Designs-F530-AZ-Pegloom/dp/B00000IVAB/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363744449&sr=8-1&keywords=child%27s+loom
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