Have you ever really thought about why everyone loves to party? Is it all the planning, the reason for the party, or just having a break from the ordinary? Is it all the surprise elements that go into preparing for the event. Where was the last party you attended? Was it for someone turning Sweet 16? 18? 40? 60? 80?
I began to think about how parties gather people of all generations. I reme
mber a party for an older adult (who was turning 80). One whole room was filled with balloons because the lady liked them. Colors, food, and themes help us define the person or reason for the gathering. What kind of party do you like?
So this past weekend there was a party for a 6 year old. A picture booth was set up for the kids to dress up with costumes and props. A high school student who is usually a wrestler and soccer player, took it upon himself to be the face painter for the party!
A magician from a local playhouse came and practiced magic acts with the kids. That is something we don’t see everyday. Unless you are on a cruise or somewhere special, magicians aren’t around us on a daily basis. He brought a surprise element to the gathering.
The kids played with a traditional Pinata and gathered at a table to enjoy finger foods and desserts. That element of eating (breaking bread) is so important in all our social gatherings. A mere cup of coffee, a dish of fruit, or a bowl of ice cream ties us together to laugh, share, cry or talk. We never get tired of that! Here for the few hours the children were together, they entertained and learned great social skills.
What social skills do you need to learn? I thought of that last night as I attended a local Christian Concert of Michael W. Smith. He was at our local Raue Theatre for a show. A lady next to me had come from Bloomington for the Concert. She was very chatty and nice. She said older people were pushing her to get ahead while coming in to the seating. Ironic that at was her take away at visiting our area, but I had also noted that when we were coming in. Lines were not very orderly. I hope we changed her impression of the community as the evening proceeded. All in all, I had a good time and thought people were polite.
So start planning your next gathering. What do you want the atmosphere to be like? Do you want a light-hearted and happy group? Do you need to prepare in advance for props or party favors. Who and how do you want the celebration to turn out? Who will you invite? Memories are made of gathering friends and family together.
Delight in Living and the memories you create for yourself and others! Lots of Mini Miracles hopefully went down for all these children.