Goody bags...another name for crap I have to take home...

I feel like things have just been crazy lately! September went by in a whirlwind of travel (both for work and to visit a friend whose husband had died), and then I was sick for a week, and then my mom's surgery and my sister and family visiting and now we're almost halfway into October! It's crazy!
This weekend is Zenna's birthday, and for some unknown reason we decided to have her party at home instead of one of those "all inclusive" parties like at Jellybeans or Chuckie Cheese. Actually - I do know why we decided to have it at home - it was because of the insane cost of the face painter we had (foolishly) promised we would have at her party after seeing her at a local festival. I tell you what, if I lose my job, I'd seriously consider doing that!
Anyway - like I do every year - I am lamenting with my husband and anyone else who listen about how kid's birthday parties have gotten so out of hand! I remember my parties being at my house with about 5 kids where we played two or three party games (pin the tail on the donkey, bingo, or something like that), had some cake, opened presents and that was it. Now...it's got to be a choreographed two hour event at some "location" - and said "location" only lets you stay for 1 1/2 or 2 hours, so with all the activities they cram in, it's now become standard for the birthday boy or girl to go home without even opening the presents where everyone else can enjoy their excitement over the gift! And don't get me started on the "goody bag" tradition...
Oh well - we'll do our small part and have our party at home, and make sure Zenna opens her gifts and thanks each of her guests...but I do have to admit, we're giving out goody bags...don't want the other kid's parents to "talk"...