It's All About the Gift...

Growing up we didn't have a lot of birthday parties.  In fact, I think I only had 3.  But that doesn't mean that birthdays weren't special at our house.  I can remember it being one of the best days of the year.  I think it was because my parents put in that extra special effort to let my brother and I know how much we were loved.  It was truly a day for celebrating!  Maybe this year things are a little tight in the budget.  Maybe you are in a busy season of life.  Maybe you don't want to have a party because you've seen My Super Sweet Sixteen and the thought of your kids ever acting like those kids terrifies you!  (Just kidding - kind of!)  Here are some thoughts celebrating - without a traditional party.  I've written them for your kids, but they are great for anyone celebrating their birthday.

1.  Start a family tradition with a plate - One of my fondest memories of birthdays at our house involved the red "You are Special Plate."  We always got to eat our birthday meals on the plate.  There was something magical about sitting down at the table in front of it.  And I will fully admit that I was visiting my family on my 30th birthday last year and loved getting to eat on the plate.  It always makes me feel so loved.  If you don't have one there are lots of places to order one online.  Or you could even make your own.  Have a family night and go to a paint-your-own pottery studio to personalize a plate for your own family.  

2.  Have the dinner of their choosing - The second tradition we  had was picking our favorite meal and dessert.  You can see our personalities in what we choose each year.  For me, I pick the same one every year.  I have since I was about 12.  Tim even makes it for me when I'm not in Texas for my birthday.  My brother, on the other hand, always picks something new, different and often adventurous.  While it's not that big of a deal for me, as the person who plans meals to choose their favorite dish, it's a big deal for a child to feel that important.  If it's nuggets or hot dogs or quesadillas, the main idea is that they feel invested in their own day.  Ask them what they want and help them plan a meal around their favorite foods.  Even a 2 year old can tell you his favorite foods.

3.Remember to tell your child WHY they are special - Sometimes in the busyness of planning a party or living life, we "do" all the right things on birthdays.  Gifts.  Check.  Cake.  Check.  Card.  Check.  We forget to have the conversation with our kids about why we celebrate birthdays.  It's not about gifts or cake at all.  (Although those are two very good perks!)  We celebrate because we love them.  They were a gift to us on that day however many years ago.  And even more importantly, we celebrate because they were created by and in the image of our Heavenly Father.  A birthday is the perfect time to tell your child that as much as you love them, God loves them even more.  And as much as we enjoy gifts, He gave us the ultimate gift in His Son, Jesus.  

There are so many ways to celebrate birthdays.  There are tons of ways to throw a great party for your child.  But there are also ways to enjoy that special day without a party.  Sometimes a party just isn't possible, but it doesn't mean that birthdays can't be just as special and memorable.  I hope you have some of your own family traditions for celebrating.  I'd love to hear them!

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