We all know the typical birthday party routine. Parents fork over for a big party at the jumping house or gymnastics place or pizza for 100. The child gets 25 made in China gifts that all have to find a place in the closet. Everyone gets an overdose of sugar and drives home in tears. Happy happy joy joy.
Now, we had already risen above that to a certain extent. The kids in our circle mostly have parties at home with home made cupcakes and reasonable gifts and a simple but nice time. Annika took it even further by completely giving up the stuff. Instead she asked the kids in our church group and her cousins to bring their quarters and make a donation to FMSC instead of buying a gift for her. Instead of kids spending $10-20 or more on a gift--they gave the money to a great cause. You can do the math as to the awesome amount of money that got donated!
It wasn't easy for me to respect the no gift thing. I'm really programed. I really wanted to buy her a little skirt or some cute earrings. Even a little candy treat to go with the card. But I didn't. Of course there is always Christmas. . .
I'm not suggesting that everyone do this. I love birthday parties too. There are lessons to be learned about manners and giving and receiving gifts. Doing something different now and then is just a nice thought and for an 11 year old it was the perfect timing.
Congratulations and happy birthday Annika. Think of how many children, near and far, that you blessed!
Hey this was nice idea, kids seems happy!
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