Flashback Friday: Children's Parties

We are getting ready around these parts for a party (and a gala. Yes I'm doing the silent auction again. Yes, I know I said I wouldn't.) So it seems appropriate to turn our attentions to what our forebears thought about such things:

We turn from these to the mental and nerve injuries inflicted on the growing organism [child]. They are certainly not to be disregarded. A perfect storm of excitement rages in the little brain from the moment the invitation has been received, and the affair is talked about in the nursery until after the evening. Sleep is disturbed by dreams, or, in some cases, prevented, by thinking of the occasion, and afterwards the excitement does not subside until days have elapsed, perhaps not before another invitation is received. Not only in the winter, but at all seasons, we think the amusements of young children ought to be simple, unexciting, and as free as possible from the characteristics of the "pleasures" of late years. As a matter of fact, "children's parties" are in no way necessary to the happiness of child life. 

Children's Parties in Winter, The Ladies Home Journal; Nov 1889; Vol VI; No 12, p 9

And you thought all those little girls stitching those samplers were having fun! Adults were really cruel back in the day.

Have a party this weekend! Enjoy it. Even if your kids get a little excited.