Birthdays are a time of sweet celebration in our home. It is the day to celebrate "you." No matter how old we are a birthday can be something special for everyone. Each birthday for our children brings a time of reflection and prompts looking ahead to the new year. With some simple planning and input from your child you can make a memorable day for your family and friends.
Often our children had a particular interest that I used as a theme when planning their party day. We have had parties about space, firetrucks, under the sea, butterflies, an English tea, and Legos to name a few. Sometimes our children wanted no theme and would help pick out some simple birthday napkins and streamers.
One month before their birthday, I would ask our child if they would like a theme and what they had in mind. We would decide a color scheme, what kind of cake they would like, and plan a party for family or friends. We also would take a trip to the store to "window shop" for a wish list. This would be a relaxed visit just to look at the aisles and help them decide what they would like most for their birthday. We would budget a specific amount for each child for their birthday and work within that amount for presents and a party. If it was going to be a family-only party we usually planned a special outing.
As the girls grew older we would occasionally switch from the typical streamers and balloons to a more formal party. This was a nice way to have our daughters help plan a dinner party or a tea and practice hospitality. It was a delight to host a group of young ladies all dressed up, gathered around a lovely table having a grown up meal together.
Birthday tables can be done on a budget by purchasing only what you need and using what you have around the house. After we came up with a theme and a color scheme we would search through our craft supplies, decor, ribbons, and toys to put together a kid friendly table for the party. I would often use colored construction paper as place mats decorated with stickers. Sometimes for younger children I would provide a crayon or two so they could decorate their place mat. We would write the name of each child on a clear plastic cup decorated with the same matching stickers that we would use on the place mats. Here in the picture above we served smoothies in fancy cups. Each child took a cup home as a party favor.
Party bags can be done in a variety of ways. When we do a pinata the children do a group grab and place all the treasures in one main bowl. We evenly distribute the pinata treasures later into party bags. Some parties we have a candy hunt for the children to find all the goodies for the party bags. Sometimes we put the bags together ahead of time and add the prizes to them from the games. All children who do not win any of the games would receive a token prize for trying. In the photo above one of our children had a "make your own party bag" table for her guests. We keep a look out for items ahead of time on sale or in the clearance sections of the store for future parties.
Each home has their own set of traditions. In our home the birthday child gets to put their candles on the cake. We save a piece of cake just for them for the following day. We set a budget and plan ahead to give something for all of us to look forward to throughout the year. Homemade cards, homemade cakes and treasures have blessed our home over the years. Everyone in our home makes something or buys a little something for each other. Encouraging our children to celebrate others in our home helps to build a sweet unity as a family. Birthdays can be simple and memorable by investing a little creative effort and knowing what your child loves. We thank the Lord for each of our children and remember how they are each a unique blessing to our family.
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord" (Psalm 127:3a).
