Celebrating and Enjoying Life

By Fen Tan

Parties can be held for different reasons, in different venues and with various elements. There are parties that are strictly formal black-tie events, held in grand venues and with lots of invited guests. Other parties are simple and small, celebrated in ordinary homes with just a few guests.

Parties can also vary according to their themes. Some parties are made for children and have kiddie themes, such as cartoon, toy and outer space themes. Others have naughty and sensual themes, made especially for adults, such as pimps and ho's and lingerie parties. There are also parties based on holidays, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter and Halloween.

Here are several kinds of parties celebrated by people today. How many of these have you attended?

Birthday Parties. A birthday party honors a person's date of birth, and is probably the most popular kind of party celebrated by people today. Children and adults alike celebrate this type of party. Usually, a birthday party consists of fun and colorful decorations such as streamers, banners, balloons, fun games and activities, and a birthday cake with candles that should be blown out by the celebrant.

Costume Parties. Just like other parties, costume parties involve banquets, dancing and fun activities. The only difference is that the party requires the guests to dress up in different attire, depending on the party's theme. The costumes can be silly and childish, spooky and shocking, naughty and sexy, or extravagant and sophisticated. Examples of these parties include Halloween, Mardi Gras and Masquerade parties.

Black-Tie Parties. Some parties allow people to be relaxed and wear whatever clothes they want to wear, but this is not the case with black tie parties. Often held in fancy venues, black-tie parties are usually large and extravagant, with expensive dishes served to the guests. The dress code is strict during these events, requiring the men to wear their best suit or tuxedo and the women their best evening or cocktail gown.

House Parties. While black-tie parties require guests to be prim and proper, house parties are the exact opposite. They are often held in a residential home and involve loud music, dancing and beer drinking. Teenagers are usually the ones who hold these parties, when their parents are out.

Holiday Parties. Holiday parties are held during particular seasons, and involve lots of eating, merrymaking and sometimes gift giving. Parties held during Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving fall in this category. There are also particular traditions during these events, such as Easter egg hunting during Easter and eating turkey dinner during Thanksgiving.

There's always a reason to celebrate, and for many people, holding and attending parties is the most ideal way. Be prepared to have a good time during these events, and cherish the moments you spend with your friends, family and loved ones.