My uber witty Momming pal, Mrs. S, recently made a rather public confession, “not a jaw-dropping, gossip-inducing, ‘I wear my pajamas to Roche Brothers (our local grocery store),’ kind of moment. But it is my dirty little birthday secret.”
“I hate birthday bags,” proclaimed Mrs. S, for all the world to read.
From this simple statement, Mrs. S, with her usual mix of sarcasm and heart, went on to detail all the ways and to just what depth she despises this childhood birthday party “tradition”.
For a serious giggle, check out her proclamation -- Confessions of a Birthday Bag Hater.
Mrs. S’s confession has inspired the Fortuitous Housewife to make a birthday-related confession of her own…I hate writing “Thank You” notes on behalf of my pre-writing and reading children!
June is birthday month in our little corner of suburbia. J & B’s birthdays are 7 days apart (don’t alert the tabloids…two years and seven days), so far too much of my summer is gobbled up by party planning, cookie and cupcake baking, gift procurement, and hosting (there’s a kiddie party and a family party!), but once the celebrating is over and the new treasures have sunk into the tar pits know as toy bins, there are still “Thank You” notes to be written.
Honestly, must I send each and every kid that went home with a goodie bag a “thank you” note, too! And family, that sat and watched as my little demons ripped through the pile of presents, need one too?!
Don’t get me wrong; I love sending someone a hand-written, snail-mailed missive! It’s such a treat to get something besides bills & bulk mail in the mailbox! But seriously folks, I’ve learned this etiquette lesson but isn’t it a tad pointless for those that can’t write or read these messages of gratitude? Wasn’t the goodie bag or hugs & kisses thanks enough? Why must we add one more item to an already busy Mom’s “to do” list?
I’m all for “thank you” notes once the gift grubbin’ urchins are old enough to participate and learn from the practice of writing expressions of gratitude, but until then…enough already!!
Let’s get green, people! Save the paper, save the postage, save the petroleum (mail planes & trucks)! Save your precious free time!
Every time I pick up one of the boys at a birthday party, I tell the Mom “please don’t trouble yourself with writing a thank you card, they can play with our gift on their next playdate,” but I guess they don’t believe me, ‘cause the card always comes.
Now that I’ve procrastinated my way through this post, I guess I better get to those delinquent thank you notes that are still screaming at me from the top of my “to do” list.
This year should be especially fun, a real high quality way to spend a summer evening with my boys! J turned six this year, he can write a friend's name & sign his own. I better be sure the wine is chilled before we commence!
