Baby showers for Grandmas - latest from US

Yes, annodomini, my family has always done a good wake. Cry your heart during the service and interment, then eat, drink, sing, share memories – lots of memories – reinforce family ties and, most importantly, laugh for the rest of the day.

That's about it, absent. When we buried my uncle and aunt, I couldn't help thinking how much they would have enjoyed a good party!

annodomini Perhaps they did.

My husbands once large family were good at that as well. After the funeral service lots of talk about the deceased, good memories laughter and anecdotes told about them.

One of my husbands cousins at the last one brought along the old cine films photos etc that were part of both sides of my inlaws family.

My MIL was the oldest daughter of her family and kept this stuff going. That role has now rather been taken over by my Sister in law.

Granny showers- No Thankyou! For one thing there's the question of how many you would have to have. Lets suppose you have 2 DCs and they have 2DCs each that's 4 Granny showers, because as we all know if you do it for 1 you have to do the same for the other one. I have 3 DSs and one has 3 DCs already. I don't need to point out that if things go on this way the showers will be a downpour!

I would have had five showers! What if I next have a tribe of GGC?

I don't think you can lay the blame totally on corporate America.

Trends only take off if real, actual people follow them.

I agree with Maggie it's the sense of obligation to follow trends so as not to appear different from others that is the pernicious element.
We've had numerous threads on GN where people have been hurt by their DCs' failure to take them out on Mother's Day, upset because they haven't been invited to something or other, their wedding anniversary has been overlooked by their OH, or they have been expected to provide something they can't afford, when the event in question is an artificial, man-made construct that has led to unrealistic expectations and disappointment.

The best expressions of love and joy are those that arise spontaneously and with sincerity.