Dear Margo, There seems to be a new wrinkle in kids' birthday parties where the gifts are opened later. All my nieces are doing this now, and I must admit, children's parties are much more FUN. Fewer meltdowns, happier kids, what is there not to like? Two of my three nieces have children on the autism spectrum, and the intense emotions that go with gift opening made them adopt this technique early on. Plus, thank you cards are much easier to write, as they can be done one at a time, as the presents are opened. Really, why would you do a birthday for a small child any other way? - What about Presents?!
Dear Presents, A new wrinkle, indeed. Granted, I am many years away from hosting children's birthday parties, but if memory serves, a lot of the fun is derived from the kids' anticipation about seeing all the new toys. And of course the blizzard of wrapping paper, boxes, and bows attest to the excitement of the honoree. I do not remember any meltdowns or intense (negative) emotions having to do with gifts, but in these more PC times, it does seem to be frowned upon, perhaps so none of the children are "on-the-spot"...not the gift giver or receiver. - Margo
Hi! It's Margo here. I'd love to know what you think of the letters -- and the answers!
Also, any additional thoughts you might have. Thanks!
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I always loved your mother's column in here time she was truly unique. I loved the fact that she told it like it was, back in the day. I am sure you know that you are a very lucky women to have had such a wonderful mom. By seeing these stories online, it brings back such fond
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Dear Readers, , whatever they needed I provided. What really hurt my son and I the most was the obituary - we were not mentioned at all. Our friends (mine and hers) were appalled. I was embarrassed and upset for not just me, but for my son-who loved her also. I never been so upset. Her x-husband put his wife and kids and their grandchildren in the obituary, who my girlfriend barely knew. They live an hour away from us. I know its silly to be mad over a little section of the newspaper, but it still hurts. Will time let this devastating loss of her and this article ever go away? I am so angry at this whole situation, its not like we can go and rewrite an obituary notice.
"At every party there are two kinds of people - those who want to go home and those who don't. The trouble is, they are usually married to each other."