Throw Your Own Era-Authentic Measles Party!

So your kid has measles! Spread the wealth with an era-appropriate party for your neighborhood!

Get your first season Betty Draper on

Via cbsnews.com

Measles last ran rampant in the United States in the 1950s, so you know what that means - it's an excuse for you to put on a full skirt and petticoat, chain smoke, and day drink Manhattans. But not for the kids.

Lock the kids in their own room

Via mysocalledcraftylife.com

If you really want to make sure your little Addison is infected, make sure there is no way out. It's more efficient if you create a Thunderdome-like environment for the kids. Playing Twister is a great idea, but it's a little early to be truly authentic - it was invented in 1966, way after people started regularly immunizing! Try something a little more 50s - like Pin the Tail on the Donkey! Nothing like blindfolding an infected child and letting them grope around with a sharp object.

Allow germs to steep two to three hours

Via jrbriggs.com

Once the kids are in there, give them some time to make sure everyone is thoroughly exposed to the measles. You don't want this measles party to be all for naught, right? You can day drink any time, but there's only so much access to measles these days!

While they're in there, enjoy some 1950's treats!

Via tumblr.com

If we're staying healthy and vegan, enjoy fruit cup or celery and peanut butter (be careful of nut allergies!) If you're not, enjoy some era-appropriate treats like Jell-O molds, fondue, pineapple upside down cake, SPAM, and Tom Collinses.

No need for party favors!

Via paintsavvy.blogspot.com

Hopefully the kids will be taking home something a lot more lasting than a plastic whistle and some Tootsie Pops - they'll have a natural lifetime immunity to a dangerous disease! (and/or a greater likelihood of fatal pneumonia and central nervous system diseases with a ten year latency period!)

Have fun! Get measles!