Fancy Dress – Who Needs Much More?

I’m not sure when special events went from simple (and usually lovely) affairs to all out extravaganza’s.  When my daughter went to prom, it was with limousines, fancy dinners, fancy dresses (and tuxedos for the guys), special hair-do’s and it was all expensive.  I don’t know how some of these kids could afford it or if they simply didn’t go.

I’ve seen this with weddings as well, becoming multi-day events instead of a special afternoon or evening.  I’m sure it’s fun, but to me it seems costly, something not everyone can or should afford.

Which leads me to the question, is it worth it?  Do multi-day and multi-dollar events make for better memories in the end?  Or is it another game of one-up-manship, of who can do it better and more expensive.

I don’t like that.  I like my celebrations simple, to create memories and not expenses.  A long time ago, my sister and I decided that creating memories was more important than how much we spent on gifts.  That’s why I have so many pictures of the kids making cookies at Christmas or going to the park for birthdays.

We did spend money on more costly things.  One year when everyone came to Omaha for Christmas, my sister and I gave our mother tickets to see Mannheim Steamroller.  It was enough tickets for everyone who wanted to go (we’d asked our husbands and young adult children beforehand) and quite coincidentally, the concert was the next night in Omaha.  My mother was thrilled and we had a great time.  We also visited a British tea room, having tea and treats, and checked out the many little shops in downtown Omaha.  It was a great Christmas.

When we were in Minneapolis, we went to see A Christmas Carol for the holidays.  That was the gift that year for each of us.  It too was a memory that we will always cherish.

These days when I’m out and about, my consideration is will this make a memory?  Or am I just spending money?  Spending money can create memories, but I want to be sure that’s what I’m doing and not just doing what everyone else is doing.

Here’s my favorite boy toy and myself all those years ago in our fancy prom clothes.  It was the first time I bought a dress for a special event – I usually made all my own clothes.  I don’t remember why I bought it instead of making it, but it was a pretty pink and white dress.  You can see that I did my hair myself too – not very artistic!

Word for tomorrow – GIRLFRIEND.  If you prefer to work ahead, see the list for the week under “A Word A Day”.