This year, for my youngest son’s birthday, I’m leaving the magic up to the professionals. That’s right: Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

We’re headed to Disneyland for Oliver’s second birthday—shh, don’t tell—and I couldn’t be happier. Because it’s the happiest place on earth (allegedly), but also because this means we are not hosting a typical birthday party.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Why would I admit to being elated about not hosting in the introduction to an entertaining-themed issue of this magazine? Well, I’m not sure, to be honest. But I think I’ll figure it out by the end of this diary entry editor’s note.

I love parties, and I love hosting them. But in the age of parenting parallel (or perpendicular, you tell me) to social media, I have found myself at a level of burnout I did not realize was possible. I want a magical childhood for my kids, but suddenly, it all seems so complicated.

My Instagram bookmarks and Pinterest boards are filled with aspirational images of perfectly executed celebrations with outstandingly original themes. And while I love my children dearly, I lack the type of creativity that would allow me to even assemble a simple balloon arch. I’m a perfectionist, and if I can’t do it perfectly, then why do it at all?

I know this is the wrong approach to take, and I know I should just let go and let God. Trust me, I’m trying. In the meantime, I’ll be in the Magic Kingdom. But I digress.

In this issue, we turned the idea of a “perfect” Thanksgiving on its head. Instead of curated china place settings and elegant serveware, we opted for paper plates and wide-open spaces as we focused on the kids. “Why does everything have to match,” event designer Angla DiVincenti Babin remarked to me during the photo shoot at The Crown Bistro. And while my perfectionism still shakes at the thought, she is right. Children don’t care if the napkins are linen or if they’re paper—and they certainly don’t care if they match.

The goal of our more casual Thanksgiving setup was to bring the entire family together for a meal focused on fun. Our hope is that it not only speaks to the kids but unlocks the inner child in adult guests, too. What is more magical?

In the end, it really doesn’t matter what kind of party you host—or if, like me, you choose to jump ship and paddle toward the lighthouse that is Disney. When it comes to celebrations, the magic comes from the love that is behind them and the people that come together.

Have fun and cherish all the magical moments.