There is something about traditions that add much depth to life. When I move into a new home it always feels more like home, after we’ve celebrated major holidays and events. We have special traditions that usually accompany said events. Birthdays aren’t always celebrated the same way. We have children’s parties that have to be unique every time. But we have some traditions we generally keep up. Gift opening as a family, birthday cake, a nice meal out. Of course most of these traditions I take on the tasks of making them happen, for everyone else.

When my own birthday rolls around I always feel a little disappointed that those things aren’t done the same for me. Silly. It truly is silly. I try not to feel that way, but in it creeps. I don’t wish to sound ungrateful, my family always make me feel special and loved on my birthday, and I had a wonderful day this year once again.  It just didn’t feel like it was starting out that way.

On this birthday morning, after a fun house party hosted by me the night before, no one greeted me with birthday wishes, nor was there a nice breakfast. In fact, I spent the morning cleaning up from the house party, with no assistance, then the plan to go out for brunch (meeting friends-from-away) got nixed because of a cranky kid. And, even though the brunch had nothing to do with plans for my birthday, I had been looking forward to having brunch at Cora’s on my birthday. And when their bonus dad put the kibosh on that I thought to myself: “well. happy birthday to me… :(”

I was letting myself sulk, and getting crabby for no reason. So I decided that while everyone else was busy with their own things and couldn’t seem to come together long enough even for me to open my gifts that I would just open the one from my parents, by myself.

Then it was time to stop being crabby and enjoy my day.

What always puts me in better spirits on my birthday? My own tradition of decorating for Christmas. I put on the Christmas music, haul out the boxes and start decorating. It kicks off the festive season, and is a nice way for me to spend some time with me.

My cranky girly helped me, once she got up from her imposed rest, while her sister and bonus dad were out running errands. When they returned I finally got to open my gifts. A book I’d requested (Maeve Binchy’s latest), aromatherapy oil and hand crème (for my ridiculously dry hands) from The Body Shop, and a spare battery for my camera (my daughter didn’t think that was a very fun gift, but I’m thrilled to have it!) They helped me with the outdoor decorations, and the cranky girly went to dance class.

I never want to cook my own birthday supper. Ian cooked.  And I was very happy not to cook and clean. And then came the cake…

Oh! A birthday just isn’t a birthday without cake! I’ve even made my own birthday cake a few times in the past, for various reasons, but it’s just not the same if you have to make your own cake.

Since I’ve given up on the limiting wheat-free diet (I felt little, if any, real improvements without it all this time) I got to enjoy a real cake for my birthday. It was an amazing carrot cake from GlenEagle Bakery in Bedford. I LOVE carrot cake. (A previous year I had an amazing chocolate birthday cake from the same bakery).

From Drop Box

I don’t know why I set myself up with crazy expectations, nor do I understand why my mind seems to always expect something it’s not going to get. Why would it even make sense for other people to try to replicate what I do for them? And honestly, I don’t even care if I have some of those things.

All in all it was a wonderful day.  I am so lucky to have such a great man who cares so much about me, and two wonderful girlies who adore me.

What’s really important and essential to my birthday traditions? Attention from those who care about me, time spent together as a family, a few gifts that make me feel treasured (and my family are always so good at that!), and of course Kenny Rogers singing “Favourite Things” and Boney M singing “Feliz Navidad” while I pull out the ornaments and remember all the people who gave me these festive gifts for birthdays and Christmases in the past. 🙂

Is there something you do to make your own birthday a special day regardless of what others do for you?