Birthdays aren’t what they used to be! With my farmer husband and I having our birthdays coming three weeks apart, we recently celebrated those days enjoying birthday wishes via social media and cards via mail. We had meals with friends and relatives in honor of the occasions and for us that was as much celebration as was called for. A joy on our birthdays was having two of our granddaughters call us and sing a duet of “Happy Birthday.” We tell one another when asked what birthday gift we want, we already have all we need. Sometimes it’s just those little thoughtful things given or done that are the most appreciated as a surprise.
I couldn’t help but think back to the childhood birthday celebrations given by my parents, only we called them “Birthday parties.” The anticipation of that big day in our childhood lives was exciting. We gave hints of what we’d like to have as one special gift that came from the parents. My most memorable birthday present was my white with pink trimmed Schwinn bicycle with white wall tires, and a white and pink leather seat. I couldn’t wait to ride my new bicycle. But the problem became evident when I rode it into the farmyard driveway and those terrible Mexican sandburs caused many flat tires. Those sandburs caused many a bicycle tire to be taken to Blauvelt Station or Johnson-Platt Station to be repaired. My second memorable birthday gift from my parents came as a teenager when a certain Catalina brand swimsuit I had long admired at the Bill Hill Style Shop became mine. I can still see that coral swim suit. So pretty!
I kept asking for a car of my own as a present but back then, girls just didn’t have their own cars. You either depended on your parents to take you someplace or you had a date. I did once in a while get to drive the family car into my hometown or to visit a friend. I still remember the car as I was so proud to drive it when I got the chance. It was a early 1960s red and white Plymouth Fury, two door, with white and red leather seats. It was pretty “hot” for a family car. Dad and Mom liked Buick cars so I never quite understood why they decided to purchase this one. I was sure glad when they did.
Childhood birthdays during the school year, were enjoyed as mothers and grandmothers would bring treats for all the class to eat, along with birthday napkins, Kool-Aid drinks, and something extra to hand out. Sometimes games were played, and of course everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to the honored student. These birthday parties probably aren’t quite the same today as sugary treats were usually what was served, such as cupcakes, ice cream, or cookies. Back then there was no “sugar free” Kool-Aid. Since my birthday came in July, I never got to have a birthday party at school.
Sometimes there were those great birthday parties enjoyed at home with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles adding to the excitement. Those special times are remembered. There were those special children birthday parties Mother would plan. We could invite friends to go to the local swimming pools and afterward enjoy ice cream and pop. Friends were often invited to stay for the night at our house not only for our birthdays but all throughout the year. With two sisters and myself it seemed our house frequently had friends staying overnight.
Birthday memories are close to everyone’s hearts. I hope you can remember a few of yours.
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