Why is it "way over the top"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can't please all the people all the time. Do what makes you happy. If it gives you joy, do it.

Remember your real target audience - you and your family, especially your kids. Doing things that make you happy...that's what makes memories.

I remember the Christmases when my mom went after anything that would stand still with gold spray paint ("it's festive!"), and I remember how therapeutic it was for her to make wreaths (so. many. wreaths!) after my dad died.

I also remember the tense vibe in the house when she tried to do too much, got too perfectionistic, or was trying to live up to some imagined gold standard. To me, that defeats the whole purpose.

I think the people who say things are "over the top" are somehow under the impression that they'll be expected to match or exceed that standard, and that's not the case. Some people love to get glitter on their hands. Some people don't. Live and let live.

I like you...you sound entirely too reasonable and sane to be on DCUM! (-:

[Anonymous]

Listen, there are people who think that if you have them over to dinner and provide cloth napkins instead of ripping off a paper towel, you are being too fancy and showy. I've had moms say "wow, I can't believe you made that" over a Duncan Hines mix cake that I decorated with some of that ready made icing in a tube. Some people get offended if your pour their beer into a glass. Some people think that if you make an effort to do something in a nice way, you are obviously trying to show them up. I don't get it. I like a creative, "over the top" party. They're fun to attend and I appreciate the effort.

[Anonymous]

I recently went to a first birthday party that was over the top for sure. Crafts galore. Everything was themed, color coordinated and personalized. I think mom may have been kidnapped by Pinterest and had to make one of everything to secure her release!

No one judged - we laughed about how over the top it was and enjoyed the party. The only thing was people were hesitant to eat the food, or remove/throw away all the crafty stuff all over the place to get at the food.