pondering parties

why do we gather to give gifts to the bride or to both the bride & groom? why do gather to give gifts to the expectant mother? why do we gather to give gifts to the new homeowner?

do they somehow deserve gifts for having accomplished a proposal, a conception, a mortgage signing? i suppose it's as valid a gift-giving occassion as a birthday. i mean, in what way do we deserve reward for having been born? we should give our parents gifts on our birthdays.

i can see bringing a gift to a party, especially if food & drink are supplied at the party. sort of a pay-back for the party. i was at a wedding shower today with soccer teammates. no silly idle girly chitchat and no shower games for this bunch. yeah! and, the cake was exceptional - definitely worth the cost of the gift.

been to any good parties lately?