Who Wants to PARTY??

      Apparently, the idea of people celebrating birthdays no longer includes the age old "party". It's odd how something that was a celebration for a person on their day of becoming has now become an albatross many seek to avoid. Either the hesitation is from not wanting to be the center of attention; or from never really having that celebratory component growing up; or just a simple question of finances - so often these days people want to keep it low key. A cake and a few friends is a large event. I will admit that I am one of those people - I had like 2 "parties" growing up; and I always felt out of place. The question, I suppose, has become:

      If so few really want a party; why is it an accepted part of our expectations?

     

      In some ways, I think the party is for those people in your life to take one day to give you all their attention and to celebrate you; but if you are giving them attention and caring year round - it almost becomes a parody to then string up letters and fire confetti cannons and invite every single person the birthday person knows for (at best) free or (at worst) shared cost yumyumming. Often, the many facets of our life do not mingle except in these extreme circumstances; and the association tends to be awkward and forced for most. Besides which; everyone has their own relationships with the person being celebrated; but generally one person's (or group's) vision becomes the rule of the day.Like many other custom's lost to a time long past (pet rock anyone? Cootie shot?) I think the birthday party has become an expectation mired in the pretense of being the most important person in the world - even if for just one day.

      Birthday twinkies for ALL!!