By a Parent Who Forgot to Take a Group Photo (But Made It Work Anyway)
The balloons had sagged. The cake was half-eaten in the fridge. And just as I was putting back the remaining return gifts (and this is the other thing that nobody tells you: we Indians are so worried about not having enough that we over order return gifts, but you really don’t need to, and I can tell you why in a later column). But anyway, I was putting back stuff under the dining table, when my son asked, “Did you send the photos to Nani?”
Photos.
Of course.
Because while I was busy making sure every guest had an extra slice of pizza and that no one slipped on the balloon ribbons, I had forgotten the golden rule of modern-day parenting:
If you don’t document it, did it even happen?
A Slideshow Is Not Just a Reel
Let’s be clear — this isn’t about going viral on Instagram.
It’s about something slower. Softer.
It’s about stringing together those fleeting moments — the frosting on your daughter’s nose, the hug between cousins who only meet once a year, the way your child looked at the sparkler candle when it flared to life.
It’s about stitching joy into sequence.
Start With the Messy Camera Roll
You don’t need a DSLR.
Just go through the blur of photos on your phone.
Look for:
- The candid smiles
- The slightly blurry dance moves
- The uncle who brought his guitar
- The plate of samosas everyone finished
- The shoes lined up at the door
Put them in order. Or don’t. Sometimes chaos tells a better story.
Add Music That Means Something
Not just trending songs. But music your child loves.
Maybe it’s a Hindi movie theme. Maybe it’s an acoustic version of “Happy Birthday.”
Maybe it’s “Naatu Naatu” because that’s what got everyone dancing in the end.
Music carries emotion. It says what the pictures cannot.
Tools Are Easy. The Thought Is What Matters
Use Google Photos, iMovie, Canva, or even WhatsApp’s status feature. Zapigo even helps store and sort your event photos if you hosted your invite there.
But remember: the tool is only a frame.
The art is in your eye.
Share Lightly, With Love
When you send the slideshow, don’t make it formal.
A simple message like:
“Thanks for coming. Here’s a little something to remember the day.”
That’s enough.
No hashtags. No filters.
Just love, shared quietly.
And Finally…
You’ll probably cry.
Just a little. Out of joy and exhaustion and relief.
When the slideshow ends and you see your child’s face frozen in a moment of glee.
Because that’s the thing about slideshows.
They hold still the seconds you didn’t know were golden.
So go ahead. Make one.
Your future self will thank you.
And so will Nani.
