Birthday the American way

The first birthday party we joined here in Arizona was so …. intense. There was A LOT of food and so many things going on. And there was no structure. I was completely overwhelmed and felt totally exhausted afterwards. And I wasn’t even hosting. It was easy to agree NEVER EVER host a party the American way. This weekend we celebrated Vlinders’ Birthday with her friends from school. Unfortunately I have to admit reluctantly that we found ourself throwing the party with a lot of the American bells and whistles (not all of them of course…. we will always stay Dutch). But still, the American way of birthday celebration differs a lot from the Dutch way. So I don’t want to abstain you guys from a complete run down of our findings. 

Let’s start with saying that Dutch people would consider most American birthday parties as a little bit over the top. Not sporadicly parties here are accompanied with clowns, mermaids, princesses, bouncy castles, balloon twisters… you name it. A couple of weeks ago, Vlinder was at a birthday party where they had a game truck. This is a large truck with all sort of build in computer games. You should google it. It is quite cool. But I don’t think that something like that would be a big thing in the Netherlands because Dutch people are a bit more conservative as it comes to parties… or actually in everything… They have the spirit: ‘act normal, that is already weird enough’ (gosh that translation sounds strange).

Another difference in the way of celebrating child birthday parties is that here parents do not leave while in the Netherlands they bring their invited child over pick him or her up after te party. Here parents join the party together with their children and most of the time take brothers and sisters too. Besides that, you never know how many people show up. In the Netherlands you need a good reason not to join a birthday party when your child is invited. Here birthday parties are way more optional. Some people don’t or do show up without giving a notice. Or they say they will come and won’t be there after all. The most important downside of this, is that it can leave your child behind with disappointment. It is so sad when your child is looking forward to a party and nobody is coming (or only a very few). Another disadvantage of the American way is the difficulty to estimate how much you have to buy or make. Since you don’t know how many people will come (invited children, parents, siblings) you have to buy A LOT to make sure that you won’t go short on stuff. That makes it almost impossible to keep the whole thing on a low budget. On the other hand, having more parents at your party means more help during activities and thus less stress which… is a good thing.

There is one more thing that I have to mention about birthday parties the American way and that is: the goody bags. It is very common here to give all the children at a party a goody bag when they go home. And I mean: ALL kids that are there. Goody bags are filled with candy, crafty things, fidget toys … you name it. The first time we got one we thought it was ridiculous and over the top. But it is so common here that it is not rare to hear kids ask where they can find the goody bags (which we think is spoiled and bad mannered). It is more a standard than something you can optionally add. But this too makes it even more hard to keep the party low budget. I mean: i had to make 24 goody bags. One year ago we agreed not to make them. But now…we just did it… because it is how it goes here and you don’t want your kid to be different from their friends.

So back to Vlinders’ party. We hired a Ramada at Kiwanis Park in Tempe to have the party over there. A Ramada is some sort of house with a fully covered roof but without walls. The Ramadas’ at Kiwanis Park are equipped with two large metal tables, benches, a trash can and a large coal BBQ. All fixed so you cannot steal them ;). You can rent a Ramada at Kiwanis park from the city of Tempe for 25 dollars when you are resident and 50 if you are not. We live in Chandler so we are no residents of the Tempe city. But let’s face it: 50 dollars for a nice place in a park like Kiwanis is not a whole lot of money. Our Ramada was located just between a playground and a splash pad which was pretty nice. It still is 40 degrees celsius over here (approximately 100 degrees F) so we planned the party in the early morning. We decorated the Ramada with balloons and paper chains while Vlinder and Lieve were bouncing back and forth (which was pretty annoying). We had three large coolers filled with ice to keep the drinks cold. We had candy and snacks. I baked 40 cupcakes (cranky face). To give the whole thing a little Dutch touch I couldn’t resist to buy drop (black licorice) and spekjes (coloured marshmallows with more taste than the American versions ;)). By the way… I LOVE giving people here black licorice (drop). They absolutely hate it. You should see their faces….soo funny.

Anyway… Vlinder wanted to tie dye t-shirts with her friends so I bought a whole lot of white shirts in different sizes and enough ties and dye to provide a whole orphan home (Dutch saying, I know… not an English one). I divided both food and tie dye stuff among the tables and that was it. The Dutch are used to a more structured plan for child birthday parties. I remember that one of my old co-workers was drafting whole event schemes for her childrens’ birthday parties (which perhaps is not the standard but it might give an idea). Here it is the other way around. During the party, some children were busy with the tie dye, some were playing at the playground and some were looking for some refreshment at the splash pad. I truly didn’t have to do anything. Everybody took care of themselves and just did whatever they pleased. And I have to say: I LOVED IT! This was by far the most relaxed birthday party I have ever hosted. I tried these kind of parties in the Netherlands, putting all food en stuff on the tables, but I ended up rushing the entire party to make sure that everybody was  provided with enough drinks and snacks. Here I actually had the time to chat which was so nice (I know… I am chatty). It is pretty common here to take care of lunch or dinner for your guests so we ordered pizza (for locals: at Barro’s… Those are the very best!). After the party we threw everything in the trashcan and went home. No mess, no cleaning up… perfect. A little impression below…

 

286 gedachtes over “Birthday the American way”

  1. Super leuk om zo te lezen, hier kunnen we echt nog wat van leren hier. Verjaardagen hier zijn hard werken, hoe fijn is ’t als je ook daadwerkelijk mensen kan spreken. En tie dye, heel erg leuk! Die verschillen, ik vind het heerlijk om te lezen! Xx

    Beantwoorden

  37. Great blog here! Also your website loads up very fast!
    What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
    I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol

    Beantwoorden

  48. What i do not understood is in fact how you are no longer actually a lot
    more smartly-favored than you might be now.
    You are very intelligent. You recognize therefore considerably in relation to this matter,
    made me for my part consider it from numerous various angles.
    Its like women and men are not interested unless it’s something to do with
    Lady gaga! Your individual stuffs nice. Always handle it up!

    Beantwoorden

  50. I do not know if it’s just me or if perhaps everyone else encountering problems with your blog.

    It seems like some of the text in your posts are
    running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them as well?

    This may be a issue with my web browser because I’ve had
    this happen before. Kudos

    Beantwoorden

  80. I am the owner of JustCBD Store brand (justcbdstore.com) and I’m presently planning to grow my wholesale side of business. I really hope that anybody at targetdomain is able to provide some guidance . I considered that the most ideal way to do this would be to talk to vape stores and cbd stores. I was hoping if anybody could recommend a reliable web site where I can get Vape Shop B2B Database I am currently reviewing creativebeartech.com, theeliquidboutique.co.uk and wowitloveithaveit.com. Unsure which one would be the most suitable option and would appreciate any support on this. Or would it be much simpler for me to scrape my own leads? Ideas?

    Beantwoorden

  83. I am the owner of JustCBD Store company (justcbdstore.com) and am planning to expand my wholesale side of business. I really hope that anybody at targetdomain is able to provide some guidance . I considered that the best way to do this would be to connect to vape shops and cbd retail stores. I was hoping if anyone could recommend a trustworthy website where I can get CBD Shops Mailing List I am currently reviewing creativebeartech.com, theeliquidboutique.co.uk and wowitloveithaveit.com. Not exactly sure which one would be the best choice and would appreciate any support on this. Or would it be much simpler for me to scrape my own leads? Suggestions?

    Beantwoorden

  87. Aw, this was a really good post. Finding the time and actual effort to produce a very good article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.

    Beantwoorden

  94. Hi there, I think your site could be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Apart from that, great site!

    Beantwoorden

  99. I was more than happy to find this great site. I wanted to thank you for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely liked every part of it and i also have you saved as a favorite to check out new things on your web site.

    Beantwoorden

  106. Howdy! This article could not be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept preaching about this. I will send this post to him. Pretty sure he’s going to have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

    Beantwoorden

  116. The very next time I read a blog, Hopefully it doesn’t fail me just as much as this particular one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read through, however I actually believed you would have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something you can fix if you weren’t too busy seeking attention.

    Beantwoorden

  122. An intriguing discussion is worth comment. There’s no doubt that that you should publish more about this subject matter, it may not be a taboo matter but typically people don’t talk about these subjects. To the next! All the best!!

    Beantwoorden

  127. I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s equally educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is something not enough people are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy I came across this in my search for something regarding this.

    Beantwoorden

  129. I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s equally educative and interesting, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is something that too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I came across this during my hunt for something concerning this.

    Beantwoorden

  134. Hi, I think your web site could be having internet browser compatibility problems. Whenever I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in Internet Explorer, it’s got some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Aside from that, excellent blog!

    Beantwoorden

  142. Excellent article. Keep writing such kind of info on your blog.
    Im really impressed by your site.
    Hello there, You have performed a fantastic job. I’ll definitely digg it and
    for my part recommend to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this web
    site.

    Beantwoorden

  143. The very next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not fail me as much as this one. After all, I know it was my choice to read, but I genuinely believed you would have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something you can fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.

    Beantwoorden

  164. Can I simply just say what a comfort to uncover somebody that truly knows what they are talking about on the internet. You definitely realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people should read this and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you are not more popular because you certainly possess the gift.

    Beantwoorden

  166. You’re so cool! I do not believe I’ve truly read through anything like this before. So nice to discover another person with a few unique thoughts on this topic. Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This site is one thing that’s needed on the web, someone with a little originality!

    Beantwoorden

  169. I really love your site.. Excellent colors & theme. Did you build this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying to create my own personal site and would like to know where you got this from or just what the theme is called. Cheers!

    Beantwoorden

  170. May I just say what a relief to discover someone that genuinely understands what they’re discussing online. You certainly understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people have to check this out and understand this side of your story. I can’t believe you aren’t more popular because you definitely have the gift.

    Beantwoorden

  177. Right here is the right blog for everyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic which has been written about for many years. Great stuff, just excellent!

    Beantwoorden

  179. I was excited to find this website. I wanted to thank you for your time just for this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it and I have you book marked to check out new stuff on your website.

    Beantwoorden

  181. The next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not fail me just as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read through, nonetheless I actually believed you would probably have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of moaning about something you could possibly fix if you weren’t too busy looking for attention.

    Beantwoorden

  182. An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a colleague who has been doing a little homework on this. And he in fact bought me dinner because I found it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to discuss this matter here on your internet site.

    Beantwoorden

  183. I’d like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this site. I’m hoping to see the same high-grade content by you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own, personal site now 😉

    Beantwoorden

  184. The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesn’t fail me just as much as this one. After all, I know it was my choice to read, however I actually believed you would have something helpful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something you could fix if you weren’t too busy looking for attention.

    Beantwoorden

  194. After going over a number of the articles on your website, I honestly like your technique of writing a blog. I book marked it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back in the near future. Please visit my website too and let me know how you feel.

    Beantwoorden

  207. I am curious to find out what blog platform you happen to be using?
    I’m having some small security issues with my latest site and I’d like to
    find something more secure. Do you have any solutions?
    cheap flights 2CSYEon

    Beantwoorden

  209. Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with SEO?
    I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results.
    If you know of any please share. Many thanks! cheap flights 32hvAj4

    Beantwoorden

  212. I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site.

    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to
    come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme?
    Fantastic work! 2CSYEon cheap flights

    Beantwoorden

  215. I am extremely impressed along with your writing talents as well as
    with the structure to your blog. Is this a paid subject or did you customize it yourself?
    Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice
    blog like this one today..

    Beantwoorden

  224. Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your website in web explorer, could test this?
    IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a large section of folks will miss your wonderful writing because
    of this problem.

    Beantwoorden

  225. Hey just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading correctly.
    I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
    I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same results.

    Beantwoorden

  234. I have been browsing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be much more useful than ever before.|

    Beantwoorden

  247. Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!|

    Beantwoorden

  260. The very next time I read a blog, Hopefully it does not disappoint me as much as this particular one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read through, but I truly thought you would probably have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something that you could fix if you weren’t too busy looking for attention.

    Beantwoorden

  264. Hello there, I think your web site could be having web browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Apart from that, wonderful website!

    Beantwoorden

  268. After I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I recieve four emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is a way you are able to remove me from that service? Many thanks!

    Beantwoorden

  271. Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thanks, However I am experiencing troubles with your RSS. I don’t understand why I can’t subscribe to it. Is there anybody having the same RSS issues? Anybody who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanks!!

    Beantwoorden

  273. This is the right web site for anybody who hopes to understand this topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a topic that’s been discussed for years. Wonderful stuff, just excellent!

    Beantwoorden

  274. The next time I read a blog, Hopefully it won’t disappoint me just as much as this particular one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read through, nonetheless I genuinely thought you’d have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something you can fix if you weren’t too busy searching for attention.

    Beantwoorden

  278. An intriguing discussion is definitely worth comment. I do think that you ought to write more on this subject, it may not be a taboo subject but generally folks don’t talk about these issues. To the next! Many thanks!!

    Beantwoorden

  282. Hi there! This post could not be written much better! Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I most certainly will send this post to him. Pretty sure he’ll have a great read. I appreciate you for sharing!

    Beantwoorden

Geef een reactie

Het e-mailadres wordt niet gepubliceerd.