Because my birthday is in December, I never got a real birthday party. My mom would always buy me an ice cream cake from baskin robbins and a piece of jewelry. From the time I was born until my big age of 40, I’ve only had 2 birthday parties. One at 6 years old and one at 21. Since my kids birthdays are in the spring and summer, I always had them a party of some kind and if we didn’t do a party we did a theme. I call the theme the next chapter of their lives, so essentially I’m naming all the chapters in their book of life. A few years ago, my daughter asked me why I never have a theme, and since then I’ve been doing themes for myself (I always did the kids never me). My themes were wonder women, army fatigue, ice queen, the circus, and recenlty the cherry on top. This year I’m thinking of going for lemons…when life gives you lemons…y’all know the rest. So here are some other unique family birthday traditions you can try for yourself or for your family members.
Since I’m a photographer, I’m going to always say take photos….every birthday. So that you can see the growth and so that you can document your theme of the year. As you all know I also do birthday parties (If I know you and you are a regular client), always take the photos it’s a tradition that should always be number 1. A picture captures that moment in time that you can’t ever get back.
My mom got me a piece of jewelry every birthday (real ones). I have started that tradition with myself over again. I also still have about 60% of all the jewelry she has bought me. I can’t fit them, but I still have them, and it means the world to me to have something I can pass down to my daughter. If you have a girl or even if you love jewelry, invest in getting something real every birthday. If your child is old enough and responsible, she will always love what you get her. If you don’t want to do anything expensive now, do BaubleBar, which is one of my favorite jewelry spots that sells good quality costume jewelry.
Birthday interview or a time capsule interview. I saw one of my friends do this and I thought to myself why didn’t I think of this. She asks her kids every year the same questions with one new question and she records it. She asks them their favorite food, color, favorite thing they did that month, and she asks what they are happy and sad about right then. She records it and she will do this every year. She said she will make a video of it every 5 years and string them together. I love this unique idea.
Birthday breakfast in bed. I know I let my kids pick what they want for dinner, but how about breakfast, bringing them breakfast in bed or whoever the birthday person is, let them have breakfast in bed…make sure it’s hot and a cup of coffee to go along with it is the icing on the cake. Even if you get it from waffle house lol
A trip is a great way to celebrate your birthday also. Since I’m a winter baby, I like to take me a trip in September (off season is less expensive and less crowded). You can also do a staycation and stay at a hotel in your nearest city and find a new spot to eat at.
A few other things I do for birthdays around my house is whatever the kids pick as their theme we take a photo to match that and the cake also matches that. Can’t find a good cake person in Atlanta to save my life but we keep trying. I also add money to their stocks we don’t have a lot of stocks but instead of giving my kids cash I add to their small portfolios.
Birthdays should be celebrated so make sure that you make yours special and unique and tailored to you. Celebrating a new year of life means that you are still here and you still have a purpose.
Photos were done by me for a 5th birthday and her parents joined in.
