Beech Tree News Network

Milestones are times for celebration! We recognize births, birthdays, baptisms, graduations, weddings, new jobs, new homes, retirements, and other occasions deemed an accomplishment. Some newer celebrations include the gender-reveal party, push presents, and a sprinkle.

The gender-reveal party is the time an expectant couple learns their baby’s gender in the presence of family and/or friends. This may be in an informal gathering or a party. The gender may be revealed in various ways (often with helpful Pinterest ideas), such as through the color of the cake or of the balloons. If the parents want to celebrate their baby’s gender, it is a cute excuse to have a party.

Another celebration new to me is the push present. Push presents may be exchanged between the father and mother following the birth of a baby, or the father may give one to the mother of the newborn baby. For women, jewelry seems to be a popular push present. My late husband and I probably would not have exchanged push presents. Although my husband brought flowers to me following the births of our children, during those years our funds were limited. Nevertheless, I agree that the arrival of a baby is a good reason to celebrate.

The next celebration new to me is the sprinkle. This celebration makes so much sense! It’s a baby shower for any baby following the first baby. Since the parents have most of the big items necessary for an infant, the sprinkle is an opportunity for friends and family to help the parents obtain the small items still needed for the new baby. The gifts are most often baby supplies and clothing.

Reese Witherspoon said, “Lord knows, every day is not a success, every year is not a success. You have to celebrate the good” (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/celebrate_5.html). And even though the gender-reveal party, the push presents, and the sprinkle are fairly new, they all celebrate the good.