Elaborate children's birthday parties- What's the point?

Yesterday we celebrated my daughter's 8th birthday. It was a Frozen themed party. I went all out, as I usually do. Themed snacks, great food, games, and decorations. It became apparent about 5 minutes into the party that no one was going to show up. I was heartbroken. I had worked so hard. The cupcakes were adorable. I made 20 of them. Plus the food, so much food. I was super nervous to tell my daughter, no other children would be at her party besides her siblings. She actually took it rather well. There were a few points during the day, I could see she was sad. My parents and sister were here. We all made an enormous effort to be fun. We all paid special attention to her. When it came time to play pin the nose on the Olaf, we all took a turn. It was really fun.

It got me thinking about the purpose of these elaborate birthday parties. Did I do them for my children? Where they for me? Where they for the guests?  I know I want my child to have an amazing time and feel special. Am I setting a standard of over indulgence? What about expectations? Am I teaching them to have huge expectations? It occurred to me that at a typical party, I would've spent a majority of the time making rounds. Normally, I would have very little interaction with the birthday child. We would cross paths at cake and gift time. Otherwise we were hanging out with our own friends. Though there was an air of disappointment in the lack of guests, something special bloomed in our family. Our family played together. Our family jumped on the trampoline. Our family laughed and stuffed our faces with treats.

I have another birthday coming up for #3 in a month. What will I do? Go out of my way to make an over the top celebration when it is very likely it will only be our family again. Damn straight! That is exactly what I will do. It is not easy being a sibling of so many. A birthday celebration makes my babies happy. Each one gets a special day full of over indulgence and love.

Disappointment is a part of life. Learning to set realistic expectations is important. However, the biggest lesson of yesterday is that love and support is the best gift we have to give.