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We host a family party after New Years every year for, oh, maybe the past 6 years. Definitely qualifies as a tradition by now. Lots of food and drink, fun for kids, and it's always been a nice family time. My wife and I know how to host!
Same core group of families we've known for a while, all of us with kids. We have expanded the guest list some each year with no ill effects.
(We never have it on a big football day, FWIW)
This year, there were several couples who RSVP'd but only the wife and kid(s) ended up attending. So many so, that if I hadn't at the last minute invited some good work friends (all who came, all with spouses), I'd have been one of maybe 3 guys at my whole house.
Yes...I should almost certainly chalk it up to a random event. I know, I know. But for some reason it's bugging me beyond reason.
Maybe because it changed the tone of the party to more of a mommy+kid time?
Maybe because I/we worked our ass/es off to host the thing?
Maybe because the whole RSVP thing is so lame these days?
I really look forward to these parties each year, as it's nice to catch up with the other dads. Wife and I have plenty---possibly too much---separate time with our respective mom and dad friend groups.
While its hard to know for sure, it seems like anything kid themed guys (at least in my circle) totally skip and send wife and kids. So my guess is something about it did feel like a kid party?
While its hard to know for sure, it seems like anything kid themed guys (at least in my circle) totally skip and send wife and kids. So my guess is something about it did feel like a kid party?
Nah, same party we've had every year. Nothing special for the kids...we just have a big yard for them and food and a late movie. In fact it's easier now that they're older and can entertain themselves without constant supervision.
I'm going to agree that if there are a lot of kids there, the guys may get the idea that it's a mommy event. Why not make it more clear on next year's invite? Set up some special activities for the guys (poker, whatever) and hopefully the dads will try and make it, too.
Yes...I agree with the poster above. Choose either to have a couples only party, or a family type party....Or just ask the guys as you see them why they were no-shows....Then you'll know what needs to change to get them there next year.
It's always been a full family event, will pretty much full attendance. That's always been the tradition. It's in purposeful contrast to the many impromptu get-togethers that happen through the years.
The ladies usually do a yankee swap for fun, and they guys have often done a "hero bottle" thing where we pitch in to buy a really expensive bottle of booze of some sort and share it til we finish it (before you judge, when it's 8 or 9 or sometimes 10-12 guys around a bottle of scotch over 6 hours it's no big deal.)
I'm going to agree that if there are a lot of kids there, the guys may get the idea that it's a mommy event. Why not make it more clear on next year's invite? Set up some special activities for the guys (poker, whatever) and hopefully the dads will try and make it, too.
It's always been clear, and there has never really been any confusion that it's an 'everyone' event.
Attendance has never been an issue til this year so I'm willing to chalk it up to a fluke. But it's still for some silly reason bugging me. Trying not to give my mind too much leeway into dreaming up weird scenarios.
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