I'm now officially the most clueless mommy ever.

[eepster]

I just discovered that I scheduled DS b-day party for the same time as the Super Bowl.  I discovered this b/c BIL rsvp'ed that he and DN couldn't come, and mentioned that it was b/c it was Super Bowl Sunday.

have I completely ruined DS's 5th b-day?  Will anyone come?  Is it too late to reschedule?

[Chamomile Girl]

I will say upfront that I am not a sports fan.

I think scheduling a birthday during the Super Bowl is understandable (in fact I am going to a 3yo's bday on the same day. The invite had a football theme lol) but your BIL/DN missing it because they would rather watch a (pointless) football game than make a kid's birthday happy is pretty crappy. Boo hiss to them.

[velochic]

I wouldn't have a clue either or have thought of that.  Sports events are more important than a family member's/friend's birthday?  Wow!  Just... wow.  I wouldn't reschedule.  If something like a game on TV is more important, then they're probably not worth having there anyway.

[mamalisa]

I think in a lot of families big sporting events are a very important family day.  We have family traditions centered around sporting events, especially baseball games.  We've had Superbowl Sunday plans ever since I've known dh (16 years), All Star Game, World Series, all sacred family days in our house.  We take the night off work, skip other events.  I can see my family gathering 20 years from now for the All Star game, no matter where we are in life.  It's our "thing".  

I can't say I'd skip my nephew's birthday for any of them, but I surely would hope my sister would recognize that it would be a hard thing for us to attend, knowing we have plans every year.

[laohaire]

I don't even know which weekend is the Superbowl, but I think it's unfair to say that BIL is lousy to decline because of the event. It's not just "a" game on TV, it's like a holiday. People often get together. Special food and drinks are served. It's an event, it really is. People plan ahead for it. If it were just some random game, I would hope family could attend, but this one is practically a holiday in the US.

Has anyone RSVPd? How formal are the invites? Do you know everyone who was invited or was it like a class invitation or something? If you know people, sure, I'd reschedule. If it was a class invitation, it might be harder - but, you know what, unless it's THIS weekend, I guess I'd try anyway. Can you move it just one day sooner, on Saturday? That would be easier for people to deal with, I'm sure.

[KCMichigan]

I dont think your BIL and DN were bad sports to RSVP no- they may have already made plans months ago to attend a Super Bowl event, not just sit and home and watch. If the party is not on your DS actual birthday, then I can see why they may have made other plans not really considering that they party would be on Sunday.

For some people (not myself and my family) Super Bowl is an celebration of family & friends, more than football- more like a tradition. Just because you do not celebrate, does not mean it may not be important to other people and/or that they may make plans far in advance. 

It is neither bad nor good- just different lifestyle interests.

I would consider reschedule depending on WHO you invited. Are they mostly like-minded families (not sports oriented like yourself), or heavy sports fans??  If most of the invitees are not sports fan, proceed with the party and have fun! If you think few people will attend due to other commitments- call them all personally and try to move it to Sat.  or the following week. But I would attempt to do so quickly if you want to reschedule.

As for ruining DS birthday- no you would not ruin it. If you reschedule the party - make it  a special day anyway and do something really fun. Then when you do have the party , have fun. Or if you do have it on Super bowl Sun- do you think he will have 'less' of a good time if fewer people come?? I know my 5 yr olds would not notice it much- they would have fun no matter what if we had decorations & a cake!

FWIW- I did not know it was Super Bowl Sun until yesterday.

[Alyantavid]

Well, I'd probably make it earlier in the day.

I'm so not a sports fan, but I do usually watch the Super Bowl.  And alot of Super Bowl parties are planned pretty far in advance so he may have already made plans.  I'm sure plenty of people will show up for your party, but I certainly wouldn't think less of those who don't.

[Hedgehog Mtn]

My family used to drive 6 hours to spend with my dad's football crazy family for the super bowl. None of us could care less about the game except my uncles in NY but it was a huge family deal. We had family that came from Ohio, NH, all around to meet in NY for the game.

[Cascadian]

Just want to let you know that I've rescheduled DD's birthday party after sending out invites. Most people don't care (just make sure the date is LATER than planned, not earlier). Some people thanked me, and more people were able to come. Parents are very, very forgiving...it's not like rescheduling a wedding (and even then...)

[MamieCole]

If you think that more people will be able to attend if you change it, I'd change it. Especially because your DS is turning 5. He will notice and perhaps feel hurt that more people aren't able to attend.

I agree that the Superbowl isn't just a game. It is an event. An event that lots of people,  many who aren't even football fans, make plans for. 

I'd bet anything that BIL WOULD have skipped "just a game" in order to bring DN to the party. But Superbowl is a different story. I wouldn't be hurt or surprised that people already have plans.

[HappyMommy2]

I definitely think you should send out a revised invitation "D'oh, didn't realize this was super bowl sunday"...

This is a very big game for American families.  If it was our family, some people would decline, some would come, but everyone would be like WTF?????"

[pianojazzgirl]

How well do you know the invitees?  Could you call or email them to see if it being Superbowl Sunday would make a difference? 

[Peony]

Not a sports family and I would have no idea what day it is on either. But I understand how big of an event it is for some people. I'd probably reschedule. 

[eepster]

I think I need to clarify.  It's not a big deal that BIL and DN can't come.  It's mostly a kiddie party and DN is a teenager.  Inviting them really was just kind of a polite thing to do with family.  I wasn't even sure they'd have felt like coming if it hadn't been Super Bowl Sunday.

I'm really mostly worried very very few of DS little friends from preschool will make it.  I don't even really need/want most of them to come (it's a Montessori, so large class size,) if about half the class can make it would be ideal, even if only a third come it will be OK.  If only 2 or 3 come I think DS will be disappointed, especially if his best buddy can't make it.

[kittykat2481]

If it's any consolation, for some reason this post just reminded me that I FORGOT TO TAKE DS TO KARATE TODAY! Apparently I was so tired and hungry by the time I got off work today, all I could think about was getting home and eating. He would be very disappointed if he realized he missed it. Luckily, he doesn't realize it was supposed to be today. And he'll have it again on Saturday so he'll be ok. But I feel TERRIBLE.

But on the topic of the birthday, I would probably reschedule if you can. It's not too late, and likely very very few of the children would come during the Super Bowl. If you paid a lot of money to have it at a party place though, rescheduling may or may not be an option.

[Belia]

I would reschedule.  So many people make so many big plans for that day, sports fans or not.

[Addie]

What time were you planning the party? The game doesn't start until 6:30, so if it was early afternoon, people might make it?

Does your son like sports? Maybe you could do it as a football theme?

Otherwise, I'd probably reschedule. Superbowl Sunday is practically a sacred day here - but then again, I live in Pittsburgh. :)

[eepster]

Originally Posted by Addie 

What time were you planning the party? The game doesn't start until 6:30, so if it was early afternoon, people might make it?

Does your son like sports? Maybe you could do it as a football theme?

Otherwise, I'd probably reschedule. Superbowl Sunday is practically a sacred day here - but then again, I live in Pittsburgh. :)

I didn't realize it was that late.  The party is at 2pm, and it's a little kid party so over by 4pm.

Isn't Pittsburgh in the SB this year?

[nola79]

Originally Posted by eepster 

Originally Posted by Addie 

What time were you planning the party? The game doesn't start until 6:30, so if it was early afternoon, people might make it?

Does your son like sports? Maybe you could do it as a football theme?

Otherwise, I'd probably reschedule. Superbowl Sunday is practically a sacred day here - but then again, I live in Pittsburgh. :)

I didn't realize it was that late.  The party is at 2pm, and it's a little kid party so over by 4pm.

Isn't Pittsburgh in the SB this year?

 I wouldn't worry about it. It'll be over by 4 anyway. DH and my entire family are huge, huge football fans. Honestly, if I had a bday party to go to that day, I would. I mean, I don't mind the game, but I also wouldn't mind a break from it. There may be some like-minded moms that'll show with their kids.

[HollyBearsMom]

Did you send "official" invites ie: mailed, evite, etc? What was the RSVP date?  Can you wait till then to judge if it is even an issue?

Or why not just email the class list, let them know you realized it was SB Sunday and you understand if they can't come but can they let you know.