Dear Ann Landers,
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