Do you have any birthday traditions? I remember my mom asking me what I wanted to eat for my birthday. Since it is in August, I would always ask for grilled steak, corn on the cob (with a TON of melted butter and salt) and watermelon. As my husband and I started having kids, we too, wanted to start traditions.
As our first kiddo hit the birthdays, my husband and I would have to decide what we wanted to do because that would set a precedent for the other kids to follow. So, each Birthday Eve we would decorate their bedroom with streamers and balloons while they were sleeping, before we went to bed. We would then create the number they were turning on their door with crepe paper and streamers hanging in the threshold. They would wake up knowing “today” was theirs and they were going to be celebrated.
Wesco doughnuts are a favorite around here, so my husband would go early in the morning in order to be back before the birthday kid awoke. We would place a candle in the doughnut and sing Happy Birthday. The day would pretty much be dictated by them, including what to eat for dinner. Parties were held with extended family sometime during the weekend, which included some sort of cut cake design that was a hit or a bust. We have had a horse, cowboy boot, pirate ship, snake, spider, just to name a few. But as time moved on it was hard to keep this tradition with the extended family.
We also wanted certain milestones to be celebrated. Year 10 was one of them. Double digit. We had the kids pick some friends and a place to celebrate. This was a biggie because typically the parties were for the extended family. Choices here were mainly Craig’s Cruisers and the local gymnastics place. This was also the year they receive their first device…an iPod. We usually stopped decorating their room…double digits mean not a kid anymore, I guess.
The next big milestone is 13. This is the year when the kiddo gets to spend alone time with Dad doing something special, the kid’s choice. Having five kiddos, Dad’s undivided attention was/is special. Our last kiddo is celebrating her 13th birthday early this year because she is choosing to watch For King and Country in concert…I can’t believe this is our last 13-year-old! The other 13-year-olds chose: footgolf, motocross trail riding, Crag’s Cruisers and another motocross trail riding.
Next comes 16. This tradition comes with a phone. Since driving now happens, we purchase a phone for the kiddo so they have access to call and text…their mommy of course…ha, ha! There are other boundaries we have on the phones, but that is for another day. Only three drivers so far; two to go.
Lastly, is the milestone of 18. This is the year of the laptop. We have purchased three so far; two to go. After this birthday, we didn’t set any precedent. Now they are adult kiddos…that is another level all on its own…different but definitely another level.
One thing that was added to birthday dinners was Birthday Blessings. I don’t remember how this started or when, although it was later. Before we eat, we go around and pray for the birthday person and say something we love or appreciate about them. This is by far my favorite tradition.
I often wonder when our kids marry and have kids of their own what kind of tradition, if any, they will start.
I am ONE story,
~ Kristy