Birthday Parties.

Growing up my Mom always made a big deal out of my birthday. One year it was at a Salon, another a chocolate maker came to my house. She surprised me on my 16th by having my friends come to my favorite restaurant in the theater district, Mont Blanc. For my 18th, it was ice skating and she even hired a clown. (Side note: We later reconnected with the clown at my kids preschool. Sometimes the world really is that small.)

As far as my kids go, in 11 years on this earth my son has only had ONE "proper" birthday party. My two daughters have NEVER had one.

Early on I substituted the ask of experiences, over a party.

My son's birthday falls over summer, so we have been to Cape May, Saratoga Springs, Philadelphia, and Maine to name a few of these experiences.

When the world opens back up I want to visit Hyde Park for my girls birthdays, who were both born in January.

My kids don't seem bothered by the absence of a party. We celebrate in other ways. We go out to eat, their choice, and they get gifts.

I set the bar low with regards to parties, and it's working.

Especially in the age of the one up.

Oh, and those silly goodie bags? Nope. Stress free!

Life hack. You're welcome.

My daughter's birthday is this Sunday. Know what she wants? She wants to go to Chilis.

Chilis for the win.

Xoxo,

C.