Today there will be showers
May 13th 2008 08:57
Next time your sending out baby shower invitations, just consider what you’ve become part of. What used to be a pleasant tradition, which aimed at helping parents-to-be, in particular, to cope with the cost of a baby arriving in the house, has become, in typical US fashion, an over-the-top retail opportunity. And of course US retailers have found all sorts of ways to go mad about it.
Many shops offer to keep lists of what you’d like for the baby. No longer ‘gifts’, which you choose without prompting, this situation is like the wedding list, which, while it might have been helpful to avoid getting three toasters, has now become a means of the young couple suggesting very expensive items without qualm.
I found on a Wikipedia article that the shower idea has extended further, until it’s now becoming absurd.
The "Grandma's shower". This is a shower where people bring items for the grandparents to keep at their house, such as a collapsible crib and a changing pad. For crying out loud – isn’t this what grandparents are supposed to do as a matter of course?
The "Diaper shower". Also known, apparently, as a baby sprinkle. (Sounds like some tiny boy peeing all over someone.) It refers to a small-scale baby shower, generally for subsequent children, when the parents don't need as many items.
"Pampers party", or a men's-only shower. This is obviously for new age dads. No real bloke is his right mind would attend a baby shower held simultaneously with his wife’s shower. The men usually give the daddy-to-be diapers only because the mommy-to-be is getting other items at the shower. Doesn’t this all make you feel a bit icky?
"Blessingway" is another variation. This one is focused on emotional and spiritual support rather than gift giving. Oh, puleeeese. I want to be sick.
Many shops offer to keep lists of what you’d like for the baby. No longer ‘gifts’, which you choose without prompting, this situation is like the wedding list, which, while it might have been helpful to avoid getting three toasters, has now become a means of the young couple suggesting very expensive items without qualm.
I found on a Wikipedia article that the shower idea has extended further, until it’s now becoming absurd.
The "Grandma's shower". This is a shower where people bring items for the grandparents to keep at their house, such as a collapsible crib and a changing pad. For crying out loud – isn’t this what grandparents are supposed to do as a matter of course?
The "Diaper shower". Also known, apparently, as a baby sprinkle. (Sounds like some tiny boy peeing all over someone.) It refers to a small-scale baby shower, generally for subsequent children, when the parents don't need as many items.
"Pampers party", or a men's-only shower. This is obviously for new age dads. No real bloke is his right mind would attend a baby shower held simultaneously with his wife’s shower. The men usually give the daddy-to-be diapers only because the mommy-to-be is getting other items at the shower. Doesn’t this all make you feel a bit icky?
"Blessingway" is another variation. This one is focused on emotional and spiritual support rather than gift giving. Oh, puleeeese. I want to be sick.
I think this might a 'real' baby shower - there's even a patent out for it.
| 35 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
Comment by bevetal
Comment by Mike Crowl
Webitz
Work Report