Is it very uncommon to NOT have a first birthday party?

[Anonymous]

First Birthday Parties where I come from are traditionally with extended family, not friends. Around here, without a lot of extended family around, I guess some people invite friends. It goes back to times, not that long ago, when many children did not make it to their 1st birthdays. If they made it to their 1st birthday, their chances of survival went up 50%. Given that, I would say its common where extended family is close by. Maybe to a lesser degree in a transient area like this.

We had 1st birthday parties for both our kids with extended family. But did not have any other parties for them until 4 years old and then with their friends.

[Anonymous]

Didn't have one for either one and didn't miss a thing.

[Anonymous]

We didn't do anything at all for 1st or 2nd birthdays for my two kids. We celebrated birthday #3 with a cake and balloons (no friends, just family). I think we'll actually have a party for birthday #4.

[Anonymous]

I can't imagine anyone giving you grief for NOT having a party. i think most people will appreciate not having to spend a day oohing and aaahing over your baby (no offense) and carting their kids around.

that being said, we just had DS's first bday party this weekend. it was really for us b/c we love to entertain and hadn't been able to really do so for, oh, about A YEAR! we just invited about a dozen people, only one had kids. it was bbq and beer. very laid back. DS had a great time b/c i made sure he was well-rested and already knew all of the guests. we kept it short, too. and no gifts!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:1st birthday was cake and a balloon with mom and dad. I think people who like to make a show of stuff (and I don't mean that negatively, I have friends that just love to entertain) tend to throw toddler birthday parties. Otherwise, I think they're pretty much not necessary.

I agree and I LOVE hosting parties. For DSs first birthday, we only invited extended family (HUGE presence in the area) and close friends. It was more of an adult party with booze and lots of food. I'll find any excuse to have a big party. For the second, we included my DSs friends and our close friends. It again was very adult focused.

DS was born in June, and we have a huge backyard and have a huge tent in the case of rain. I think it makes it easy to have these parties when you have the space to thow a few dozen people. I surely would not do this if we did not have the house or yard to host, it would be too stressful.

Do what you want, I don't think people will think one way or the other of it.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for all of your responses!

With no family in the area (I am originally from Europe and my parents still live there, and the inlaws are in Indiana), we really don't have to worry about displeasing them. I wasn't sure about our friends, but it sounds like they may actually be happy not to be dragged to another birthday party

Off to booking that weekend away for DD, DH and me.

[Anonymous]

Oh god, I had this whole blow out for the first kid and it was such a waste. For the second kid, we had some family, some cake, some gifts. Very chill, still lots of pics and balloons, but no worrying about feeding a bunch of adults!