My daughter turns 2 on Sunday and I am yet to get her a new dress, yet to think of a gift, yet to order the cake, yet to invite people over,… Do I belong to a rare species? Apparently, not. While birthdays are getting bigger and better these days – replete with magic shows, 7 course meals, return gifts that are more expensive then the birthday gifts, and what not – there is still a slowly growing percentage of parents and children who are not so keen on a full blown birthday party. Well, I did throw a party for my daughter’s 1st bday, but I have decided to keep the 2nd one a family affair. I have also heard of other parents and children being content with a small home-baked cake, chocolates distributed at school and a visit to the temple in a new dress.
Another parent I know combines her childrens’ bdays ( they are 3 days apart ) into a single party. The most recent case I came across was that of a young boy who asked his parents not to celebrate any of his birthdays, but instead… – and here is the good part – … hand over the money ( which they would have spent on his party ) to him !!! Children of today are empowered, aren’t they? A good way to feel nice on such occasions is to make others feel good. As a practice, we always sponsor a meal at the Ramana Maharishi Academy for the Blind on every birthday and anniversary in our family. That, I believe, is another fast-growing trend. Of course, there is no right or wrong here – to each his own. So, what did you do on your child’s birthday?
