Ds3 is supposed to be going to a Christmas party at his playgroup this pm. I wasn't very impressed by the arrangements though. We have been asked to provide a plate of food for our child (because of allergy risks) and to wrap and provide a present (value around £5) for Father Christmas to give to our children.
Is this normal because I think it is naff. Where we lived before, the playgroup my older children attended would ask you to bring in a contribution to party food and all the food was put out on plates like at any other party and the children chose what they wanted (parents were there to help them with the right choices of course). As for the present, the playgroup would buy each child something. It was always a book which they bought very cheaply from a book catalogue, getting them extremely cheaply because it was a bulk order. I know a book isn't the most exciting thing to every child, and sometimes my childrn didn't like their choice of book, but at least it meant everyone got the same sort of thing and the playgroup liked it because it was vaguely educational. I know it didn't cost them much as I was the treasurer of the playgroup.
When I was told I had to provide a present for ds3, I was less than impressed because I could see the pitfalls. I am having difficulty thinking of anything for him anyway as he is the youngest of 4, so I would have to use up one of my few ideas for the playgroup to give him. Plus £5 is a lot of money as far as I am concerned. I eventually picked a bath toy I had bought for about £2 but which looks more exciting than the amount spent suggests. I know you are thinking why not just buy him a little book such as the old playgroup might provide, but can you imagine my child getting a book when someone else's child gets a shiny new car or something more exciting? Before you think I am poo-pooing books, remember my ds3 is only 2. He is bound to be more attracted to a shiny toy than a book.
Anyway, it is all immaterial as ds3 is ill and although he could manage a party, I don't want him coming into contact with other children and maybe catching something worse off them. He doesn't know about the party and even if he did, is not the sort of child who would want to meet "Father Christmas" (he is very shy) so I am saved the bother of making up a plate of party food for one, or using up one of my few present ideas.
Sorry rant over. Feeling rather stressed with all the preparations for Christmas. I just wanted to know if this playgroup's arrangements are normal and the old playgroup was unusual, or is it the other way around?