Congratulations to all the expecting mothers out there! Many of you have taken a time that is already very much about you—filled with themed baby showers, thoughtful gifts, and acts of kindness—and added yet another event that, surprise! is still all about you. I’m referring to the latest trend in our increasingly self-centered culture: the gender reveal party.
This phenomenon can easily be grouped with other self-serving celebrations like the selfie (congrats for reminding your friends what you look like in various locations), the prom-posal (kudos for an elaborate invitation to a date), and the promotion or awards ceremony (well done on meeting basic expectations). The gender reveal party is the newest addition—an extravagant way to announce whether the little one on the way is a boy or a girl.
A simple online search will reveal countless blogs and articles filled with creative ideas for how to share the big news with your friends and family. If you’re considering throwing one of these celebrations, allow me to offer some perspective on this trend.
At your party, some of you might choose to be surprised along with your guests, while others may already know the baby’s gender thanks to an ultrasound. Guests will mingle, share their guesses, and spark conversations about what they think the gender will be. The atmosphere will be filled with pink and blue decorations, and there will likely be games themed around the colors.
When the moment arrives to unveil whether you’re having a boy or girl, you can do it in various ways: by cutting into a cake that reveals colored layers, releasing a box of balloons, or popping a confetti-filled balloon. Each method aims to evoke gasps and cheers, but let’s be honest—most of your loved ones probably have a good hunch about the baby’s gender already.
I’ll let you in on a little secret: your family and friends are likely already leaning toward a guess about your baby’s gender. They will be thrilled to hear the news, regardless of whether it comes from a grand celebration or a simple text. For instance, my niece recently sent me a photo of her sonogram, along with a little sign reading “It’s a girl!” We celebrated over the phone, and I can assure you that it was just as joyful as any party could have been.
Now, don’t mistake my words; I adore babies. Their presence reduces me to a giddy mess, and I often feel an overwhelming urge to snuggle them. After having three children myself, I can say that my love for babies is boundless. I cherish every moment spent with them, and my role as the nursery director at my church fulfills my need for baby cuddles.
However, I believe that the joy of new life can be celebrated without the extravagant fanfare of a gender reveal party. You will receive plenty of attention from those who care about you during this time. Your husband, parents, friends, and more will shower you with love and support, and you deserve every bit of it.
Can you be content with the genuine goodwill that surrounds you? Can you allow us to celebrate you without orchestrating an entire event around it? I genuinely want to know whether I should buy pink or blue yarn for your baby’s blanket, but I’d prefer to learn this in a more intimate setting.
If you still find yourself tempted by this trend, please consider one thing: don’t include me on the guest list for your gender reveal party. Just give me a call instead.
Summary
This article critiques the trend of gender reveal parties, suggesting that the attention and support expecting mothers receive from friends and family should be enough. It highlights that many loved ones already have a good idea of the baby’s gender and that simpler announcements can be just as meaningful. The author expresses a deep love for babies and emphasizes the importance of celebrating new life without extravagant parties.