By: Jaymie Leighton Müller
From: Breaking the Mould
Series: Vintage Kitchen Mysteries
Author: Victoria Hamilton
Website: Victoria Hamilton Mysteries
How do you do birthdays? In some families birthdays are huge weeklong celebrations, and in others, they are hardly noticed. I guess in our family, the Leightons, we hit kind of a middle ground. Mom would have a little family party for my older sister, Becca, and I when we were young. But in recent years we've just had cards, and a gift mailed from Boca Raton (where they live, now) and a phone call. Becca and I always talk on our birthdays, and sometimes we'll go out to dinner with friends. Nice. Laid back. Simple.
But then I married into the Müller family. Wow, do they do things different. Bigger. MUCH bigger. However... in a German family do NOT expect any mention (to you) of your birthday beforehand. It is verboten (LOL! I'm trying to learn a little German) and considered bad luck. My mother-in-law is a superb baker, so for your birthday, you can look forward to an extraordinary cake... whatever kind you like. I chose, for my last birthday, a German Chocolate Cake, of course. And it was delicious.
Having a child has also changed how I view birthdays. Of course Jakob and I go out of our way for Jocie, and make her birthday something special - with her best friends - and a visit somewhere special. We visited a friend's horse farm for her last birthday, and Jocie and her friends all got a turn riding, as well as a cool buggy ride (Emma Spangler bought an antique carriage and has fixed it up) around the property, then a tea party at the Queensville Inn for all the girls, with Jocie as hostess.
So... what do you do for birthdays? Any special family traditions? Or do you keep it low key?
Birthday Bash Giveaway!
It's my birthday on the 26th, and I LOVE giving stuff away!! I'll be doing giveaways all week long, starting today. So... how do you celebrate birthdays in your family? Big deal, or not so much?
Give me a first name and email address, and you will be entered to win your choice of a paperback copy of Leave It to Cleaver, No Grater Danger OR Breaking the Mould, plus bookmarks!
Answer by Midnight, May 22nd... but note that if you comment after midnight on the 21st your comment will go into a moderators queue and be approved the next day.
Posts
Growing up birthdays were a big deal but mostly a family event. I can remember my Mom, always the practical one (guess that is where I get it from) giving my brother and I a choice of a birthday party where she would spend the money on decorations, favors and enough goodies to feed everyone (back in the day parents came with small children and while the kids played the adults would visit so lot of food to prepare) or we could have an extra special family outing going some place we wanted to do something extra nice and have a meal with all our favorites plus cake of our choice and a nice gift. I think I had one party. LOL
ReplyDeleteMom and Dad always made birthdays special even after I was married and hubby started spoiling me too. It was kind of an unwritten law that it was your time to glow until someone else had a birthday because of how they were all spaced. Now it's just hubby and I and since our birthdays are exactly 6 months apart, we laugh and say we each have 6 months to celebrate. We don't really do things ON the special day as much now but rather when the time is right other than for the special dessert part. At this age we just don't see a need to hide a gift in the closet but rather give it in love when we find that special something. Often hubby will buy me something special not on my birthday and tell me Happy Birthday when he gives it to me.
Happy birthday a few days early. Celebration should last more than a day. Hope your special day is all you wish it to be full of the gift of love, friendship, family and happiness!
Kay Garrett
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Good Morning and Happy Birthday Week (in advance)! Most of my birthday celebrations have been low key - dinner out, and a present or two. My husband and I now go on our annual trip to the Oregon coast around my birthday, since our anniversary is near my birthday. Thanks so much for the fun giveaway! autumn aut1063(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteBirthdays aren't a very big deal with us. It's mostly an occasion to worry about one's weight some more, given whatever birthday food is on hand.
ReplyDeletejsmith[delete brackets]3may[delete brackets]2011
[at symbol]
yahoo[dot]com
I celebrate my birthday starting in the first of my birthday month. So it’s not just my birth DAY!
ReplyDeleteBirthdays growing up were always celebrated with family & friends. No matter what age I will be I love celebrating my birthday with friends & family and presents & a buttercreme cake from the bakery. Happy Birthday hope you have an amazing day. Thanks for your great generosity. Linda May [email protected]
ReplyDeleteMostly just another day. But we always have cake and ice cream. I mean who doesn't love cake!
ReplyDeleteMichelle
[email protected]
Happy Birthday a few days early. Birthdays were always celebrated with family and cake. Can't wait for the new books!
ReplyDeleteLouise
[email protected]
Birthdays were a big deal, you chose the menu and cake. I still at 74 want a big deal. [email protected]
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! We make kind of a big deal. When the kids were small it was their day with an outing. Now not quite as big a deal but still make sure the birthday person feels special. Sally
ReplyDeletesallycootie(at)gmail(dot)com
Keep it simple. Just my Hubbie and I spending the day together.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win
faithdcreech at gmail dot com
a small get together with family
ReplyDeleteWe celebrate Birthdays when we get together with a big meal, it maybe a few months late or early. Now I celebrate my birthday having a nice dinner in the Caribbean.
ReplyDeletegibsonbk at hiwaay dot net
Birthday celebrations in our family is either big or small depending on the situation. First Birthday is a big deal and so are 16,40,,50 and 100!! I’m a chef so I alwAys try to make a special cake and food.
ReplyDeleteI made big deals for my kids birthdays - cake, parties etc. They are now young adults but I still do a cake of their choice, presents & family dinner of their choosing. We usually go out for my birthday.
ReplyDeleteBirthdays when I was young were lovely. Family parties which I enjoyed and miss since being an adult things change. Now they can be a big celebration with little ones with a dinner, cake and gifts. Many have a huge bash with a weekend long celebration. Outings, dinners, gifts and a getaway too. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWe just do a birthday dinner of there choice and a day of fun [email protected]
ReplyDeleteBirthdays deserve to be recognized with a celebration that is memorable and special. Whether it is a longed for trip, or a big family dinner. We used to go out but now I prefer to prepare a beautiful feast for the celebration and spend time with family at home. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI usually make a cake and we go out to eat. Carol [email protected]
ReplyDeleteI would say we right in the middle. We have birthday cake in the morning and the kids get to eat cake for breakfast. The birthday child gets to pick their favorite meal for dinner that night.
ReplyDeleteWendy
clarksrfun at gmail dot com
We celebrate birthdays by letting each person pick a special place to have dinner at and we gather as a family.
ReplyDeleteBirthday Blessings to you!!
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann
My younger brother and I always had to share our birthdays. Mine was on the 18th of this month and his was the 20th. We would have a big party for all of our friends. A bit awkward when there is 7 years difference. The best thing though (and we still do this) was getting cakes from our favorite bakery. Sometimes as adults we do share the cake. It is always white cake with tons of wedding cake buttercream icing. The very best!! kayt18 (at) comcast (dot) net
ReplyDeleteOh and Happy Birthday!!
Mostly we just had family dinner which was chosen by the birthday person and cake. When I was younger we would spend the summer at my grandmother's. My birthday is the 5th of July. We celebrated with all the aunt, uncles and cousins everyone whose birthday was in July at a 4th of July picnic.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you.
Lois. [email protected]
For the children big parties, their favorite foods but for me out to eat at a restaurant
ReplyDeleteMay is also my son's birthday, the 24th. He will be 31. His special day involves his choice of meal. This year it is chicken wings and carrot cake. We are also taking him to a minor league baseball team. He is a fanatic for baseball be it a major league team or a minor league. Presents otherwise don't mean much to him since he is Autistic. Happy Birthday to you also. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThis is my Birthday!!! I'm reading and spending it with family
ReplyDeleteWe have cake and dinner on the weekend before the actual day
joanie13b(at)gmail(dot)com
I make a big thing for my daughter who has downs on each birthday, me just go out to eat, my daughter's birthday is today may 21 and she is 43. pizza and little mermaids cake this year
ReplyDeleteMy mother was a teacher and my birthday is at the end of the school year so not much as far as parties. We did have cake and presents. Late May birthday is still a problem because now the younger generation is finishing school and going to camp etc. it’s an inconvenient time.
ReplyDeleteForgot this. suefoster109 at Gmail dot com
DeleteLeslie:
ReplyDeleteI didn't used to be a cake lover, so I make whatever dessert is requested. An outing of choice is had on a convenient day near the actual birthday. This way a fun no-stress day can be enjoyed by the entire family.
[email protected]
We always celebrate birthdays with a cake.
ReplyDeleteMarion [email protected]
My daughter's birthday is on May 13. We always try to get as many people in the family over for the supper of her choice, cake of her choice (usually Black Forest cake, her favourite from childhood!), and try to have some "giggle gifts" as well as serious presents. a birthday is always a fine excuse to get everyone together over dinner!
ReplyDeleteJoan at [email protected]
I used to have a birthday cake and go out to eat. Sometimes, do a special activity and get flowers. Debbie W. [email protected]
ReplyDeleteBirthdays mean cake and if I'm with my family there is a special celebration. When I am home I usually go out to eat with a friend to celebrate. Thanks for a chance to win! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteCool! We don’t do anything big for birthdays usually. My sons usually take me to dinner and get me something nice. That’s plenty for me! Happy Birthday! Legallyblonde1961 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteBirthdays in my family are a reason to get tougher-with food, good conversation, games for the kids, and music.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you
jwisley(at)aol(dot)com
Happy Birthday! We usually go out for dinner - simple, but nice.
ReplyDeleteturtle6422 at gmail dot com
Happy Birthday! I love my birthday! I like the little bit of special treatment. And usually I go to church at least once on my birthday, since it is Christmas Eve day. So I celebrate Jesus's birthday, too. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteElaine
ElaineE246 at msn dot com
We usually go out for dinner and have cake and ice cream at home.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
Dianne diannekc8(at)gmail(dot) com
Birthdays are celebrated with cake and ice cream.
ReplyDeletejtcgc at yahoo dot com
When our daughter was little, we made a big deal, with a special decorated cake I would make, a theme, presents, friends, etc. As she got older she mostly wanted my special chocolate cake that I also have to make for hubby's birthday, and to hang out with friends. Now that my hubby and I are retired, we either go out to a favorite restaurant, or occasionally will cook each other a favorite meal.
ReplyDeleteNeena
gnluciow (at) gmail (dot) com
Happy Birthday to you!!
ReplyDeleteBirthdays are fun in our house, usually single day event with dinner out based on birthday person's choice. If it's our 16-year-old...she would like the entire month but it's generally at least a week of special.
Vickie
VWinship at aol dot com
My birthday is in 3 weeks....I can only remember having one birthday party. My younger brother was just 3 years and 3 days younger...and then my dad's birthday was two days later...all in the same week as Father's Day! That's probably why no real parties! I know that I used to havemparties for our six children....even if only family parties. We'd always put up balloons and crepe paper...always did in child's favorite colors... and let them choose dinner for that night and what cake and ice cream they wanted. Heck...we were pretty good at embarrassing them as young adults...and even now when the youngest is 39...with a favorite meal, decorations, etc. When our second daughter went To college years ago, we ordered all the things for her birthday..and the friends in her dorm surprised her with the decorations, the cake, and ordered pizza as our treat! Nice and to the semester..her birthday is mid December. Celebrate life everyday..I do...I don't do much for presents anymore and do appreciate home made meals...that I don't cook....when our next too the youngest grandchild. Turned 21 recently, we did give her a nice gift card. I do pretty much go all out for the greatgrands... but it always includes a day out, books, etc!
ReplyDeleteOops...forgot to leave my name and email: Renee at [email protected]
ReplyDeleteWe try to have a family dinner to celebrate birthdays in our family. Gifts always vary depending on the child. Thanks for the chance. ematov (at) comcast (dot) net
ReplyDeleteIn our house birthdays get minimal fuss. I make a special dinner for my mother and daughter on their big day plus crate the special cake they love (we call it Grandma Bertie Cake). I also get them gifts I know that they want. I hope you have a special birthday. Kris Doodlesink(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I usually just go out to eat on each other's birthdays. Thanks for the chance! JL_Minter (at) hotmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteWe happily celebrate each and every birthday. There is always a cake and gifts, but generally pretty low key.
ReplyDeleteMary P
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I celebrate my birthday, but it is usually low key. My parents always celebrated the day that my adoption was official and they got to take me home from the orphanage as my real birthday. That day is the bigger deal to them, or now just to my Dad and I.
ReplyDeleteVanessa lavendersbluegreen(at)yahoo(dot)com
Happy Birthday 🎁🎂🎈
ReplyDeleteWe celebrate birthdays with a special dinner
then ice cream cake.
Thanks for the chance to read & review one of
Books.
Carol Smith
penelope223(at)yahoo(dot)com
Birthdays aren't a big deal anymore. Just dinner and a cake! Thanks for offering this chance! Linda Herold lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteNo big deal anymore. Maybe a birthday card. 1cow0993(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteBirthdays are such a big deal anymore. Kids grown and don't live close by.
ReplyDeleteSheila sheilarbales(at)gmail(dot)com
Our tradition has always been you pick dinner- restaurant, home cooked, whatever. That holds through for my kids and husband. When it comes to my birthday, well, it doesn't always work that way. cheers (at) marjimmanor (dot) com
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you. We have a little one in the family. He will be two in June. This should be an amazing birthday. It will be so much fun.
ReplyDeleteDebby debby236 at gmail dot com
We do celebrate birthdays! Although our parties are getting smaller. :(
ReplyDeleteAlma almaj80 (at)suddenlink (dot) net
Well, Jaymie, I will just wish you a fantastic week! Birthdays here are pretty much just another day of the week as we are very laid back in our retirement! We get and give the normal text wishing good day to family and friends. Personally, I do make that day a little more "me day" so I guess I do celebrate a little.
ReplyDeleteCheryl teddi1961(at)arcemont(dot)com
Usually celebrate with a card and gifts.
ReplyDeleteRita
Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com
Usually low key celebrations with dinner out or a special meal in followed by dessert and presents. mcastor07 (at) gmail (dot) com. Melissa
ReplyDeleteHappy early birthday! I like to celebrate big for the others in my family, but don't need a lot for me. Just a little pampering or alone time :) Jana anajs95 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteMy birthday is next month. I go out for birthday freebies, Sephora, IHOP, and Godiva, etc. At Red Robin I get a free hamburger and fries. Cold Stone Creamery used to give out a free birthday ice cream; now it's buy one, get one free. At home we don't do much. My mother might make me a cake from a boxed mix. If we have ice cream at home, we can have that or if I get it at Cold Stone Creamery, I'll have that with my cake.
ReplyDeletecatbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com - Michelle
My sister and I always phone for our birthdays and go out for dinner whenever we can get together, even tho we live 5 hours apart. Doward doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)om
ReplyDeleteOur daughter is 24 now, but we always made a HUGE deal of her birthdays. All themed and lots of people invited. We had so much fun with those. Even now, I make a big deal of birthdays. We get the birthday gal/guy a cake, presents and we always cook whatever they request for dinner that night. I will always celebrate birthdays!! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteWe celebrate birthdays with just cake and ice cream at our house so we're pretty low key. Thanks for the chance. Maceoindo(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWe don't do much for birthdays, usually go out to eat, but not a fancy place.
ReplyDeleteDonna ** donna (dot) durnell (at) sbcglobal (dot) net
Thank you all so much for entering my birthday bash giveaway... I am emailing the winner!!
ReplyDelete