“Why does my birthday come only once a year?”
As a kid, I used to frequently pester my mom with this question. Being youngest
of four children in my family, I was the most pampered one. So, that meant
extra pampering on birthdays. The day used to begin with bear hugs & wishes
from mom, papa and my siblings. In the days of exclusive landline phones, every
phone ring would bring a sparkle in my eyes as family friends and relatives
would call to extend their wishes. I never missed school on my birthday, for it
was one day when I would be treated like a princess by my friends. Birthdays
were an occasion to flaunt the new frock bought just especially for the day,
since we were allowed to give school dress a miss for the day. As I would
distribute gifts to the class who joyously sang “Happy Birthday” for me, I felt
like the guest of honor. And yes, the Maths teacher was also super sweet to me
that day!
Back
home, everyone would be busy preparing for the evening party. I have fond
memories of the invitations, cake, confetti, gifts, food, games, dance and lot
of fun with friends! Of course, next morning would feel like a hangover, especially
if I had school.
With
time, my definition of birthday celebration too changed. From lavish parties, birthdays
began to be all about a cool eat treat with friends, gifts of my choice from
parents and a nice family dinner.
Few
more years passed…
The
huge transformation in my birthday celebrations came after I began working. Birthdays
became a much more private affair. In fact, the same me who enjoyed the
attention during school days would turn pink and get conscious when my team
sang a loud “Happy Birthday” followed by wishes from the entire floor.
Often
I think about the change and it surprises me. I guess we all mellow down with
age and value quality to quantity.
What
are your memories of birthday celebrations?
This post is written as a part of the April A to Z Challenge 2016.
As an adult, I like quiet birthdays more than a party.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Hein - Scribbling in the Storage Room
To be frank, I have never celebrated Birthdays after 2nd class. Before that, I had no idea though. But yes, there was a cake by mom and a great family meal. But thats pretty much it.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, by the way. :)
PS: No, there is no such challenge as #Z2AChallenge. I created one because well, lets say I am weird. :)
My birthdays were similar to yours - friends and family during childhood and then office mates making me blush :)
ReplyDeleteWhat I don't like though is the smearing of the cake on the face. Cakes are too precious to be wasted that way I say :D
Bhavya
Visiting From Ishithaa
#AtoZChallenge2016
My birthday is a quite family affair.
ReplyDeleteNice of you to give out presents on your birthday :D
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part was always the cake. My mom makes really good cakes :)
@TarkabarkaHolgy from
The Multicolored Diary
MopDog
I have pictures from only one of my birthday parties as a child. But I know there were others. In my young teen years, sleepovers were the big thing. As I got older birthday parties were more about a big family dinner in which the person whose birthday we were celebrating got to choose the menu.
ReplyDeleteReturning the visit from A to Z
Wendy
Jollett Etc.
I still love my birthdays though they have taken a very different meaning in my life now... lovely post Shaivi :-)
ReplyDeleteVery pleasing memories! :)
ReplyDeleteFeel of euphoria is getting dried up when you begin mellow with age.
ReplyDeleteNice write
Good luck for the challenge.
ReplyDelete