A Party for Parents-To-Be; Baby Showers
They might a bit of a new tendency in UK, France and other European nations, but Baby Showers are a staple of North American familial traditions, and a well-deserved treat for mothers on the verge of spending many sleepless nights trying to rock a toddler to sleep. Organizing such a special occasion shouldn't be a source of anxiety; Baby Showers are a celebration of life, where nothing else but a smile on an expectant mother should matter. But to make sure she does keep of it all happy memories, it doesn't hurt to be a little prepared.
How Is It Organized?
Lots of traditions surround Baby Showers depending on ethnicity, size of the immediate and extended families and their respective values, but the main goal is always the same: celebrate a pregnant mother who will soon give life. Although circles of friends like co-workers and such might be tempted to treat it like a bridal shower where the entire event is one big surprise, care should be taken not to put additional strain on someone already having to disrupt her usual habits considerably. Therefore many mothers-to-be prefer having a say in the date, location and even guest list for the party since they know more than anyone what their own constitution and mind can take.
And since convenience is an issue, such gatherings are more enjoyable when held in someone's home or an area that allows for privacy, comfort and most of all space to move and breath. Fancy restaurants are a nice time out for anyone, but hard on the body carrying the offspring, especially if it means sitting on a wooden chair for hours. A family living room, private reception area and even patio with swimming pool make stronger settings.
What Should Be Offered?
Like the time and place, gifts should be something where the guest of honor can convey indications of need or desire. Sometimes a financial situation requires help for clothing, furniture and appliances, while other times cute, cuddly or funny are the determining factors. Many expecting parents will register for Baby Showers in stores offering the accommodations to do so, or publish their wish list online. Such practices shouldn't be looked down on, but instead seen as a genuine resource and tool to make the occasion a truly festive one for the parents, since they are after all the reason for the Baby Shower to happen in the first place.
Regardless of someone knowing the parents' true wishes, great Baby Showers will usually have guests bringing individual gifts to be kept as a sentimental attachment toward whom offered it, after use of course, while the gathered group as a whole will pitch in together to offer an additional gift of greater cost and significance, such as bedroom furnishings, imposing toy sets or the quintessential spa treatment for mommy, always a surefire winner. But most of all, gifts should be from and for the heart, whether they are costly or completely handmade.
What Should Happen?
Like any self-respecting party, Baby Showers shouldn't consist in guests sitting around and looking at each other. The occasion calls for activities to center on the mother, and turn the gathering into a game about and for her, with activities ranging from the details of the pregnancy itself to fun ways of opening gifts and sharing the obligatory (yes, absolutely obligatory) cake.
Baby Showers do not need to be taken as commercialism in the vein of Christmas or Easter, but as a day of relief, happiness and distractions for a well-deserving mother. Any activity undertaken should be so with such a thought in mind. Good time, great company, let's bring in Baby!
