SOL # 7 Celebrating Birthdays

SOL # 7 Birthday Celebrations

March ushers in a deluge of birthday celebrations. Between my husband’s family and mine we have a dozen birthdays. Many times we celebrate the adult birthdays with one huge family gathering. But the children must have their own party. Celebrations have already started, I received a group text last night.  The fun will continue throughout the month.  For the kids, we might skate, bowl, offer horseback rides, or simply play games outside, depending on the age of the honoree. For the adults we usually visit, eat and open gifts. And gifts for children should not be a book. I found that out after bringing a book to one nephew turning 4. He took the book and asked, "Where is my gift?" I saved our relationship by telling him I had included some cash for him to shop and choose his own gift.

We always have birthday cake and ice cream. Sometimes we have homemade ice cream. The menu is usually tailored to the tastes of the honoree. My father-in-law usually barbecued until he could no longer stand on his knees that long.

We’ve had cakes in the form of Spiderman and the little guy came dressed as Spiderman. Another young lad was dressed as Batman so Gotham City was the design on the cake.  Sometimes the guests are characters! Mickey and Minnie showed up once.

Last July, for my father-in-law’s 90^th birthday, we invited friends from far and near. We hosted almost 100 people. That took the whole family working together to make that happen.

All this celebrating originated with my mother-in-law. She felt it was especially important to honor each person on birthdays.  It is a tradition we have continued. In doing this we honor her memory, her love for life and her daily celebrations.