It was the usual evening: me chilling on my bed watching anime. Suddenly, my dad came and took me out shopping. I thought it was for groceries, instead, it was clothes for my birthday. That is when I realized that my birthday is about to come. But then I thought, the way I react to my birthday now, has changed a lot from how I reacted ten years ago.
Earlier I used to have mixed feelings; happy because of the birthday party and gifts but sad because of summer. Now it feels like just any other day. Is it just me, or does everyone born in summer feel this way? So I went and asked a few of my friends who share the same season of birthdays.
We all share the same childhood sorrow. I mean, it’s the ONE day in the whole year when we can do anything we want. It’s OUR day. The feeling of searching so many stores for the perfect birthday outfit, getting our favorite dishes for breakfast and lunch, the party in the evening, and most importantly, being treated in a special way by everyone. But all of this was nothing compared to the sorrow of never being able to choose what chocolates to distribute to everyone. Most of our classmates had their birthdays during school days and everyone would sing the birthday song for them, they’d give out chocolates to everyone, receive birthday wishes from the teachers, and flaunt their new outfits. Then there used to be some who would celebrate it a month earlier only to distribute chocolates in the school, but we felt it was too much effort. And then there’s us, who celebrate it when it’s supposed to, but feel sad that we cannot enjoy it with our school friends.
And then, there were those who actually liked their birthdays being in the holidays. Most of them loved to celebrate their birthdays at their grandparents’ place, with all their cousins. Everyone would meet at least a couple of weeks earlier and have a week long celebration! I mean, what’s better than our favorite dish being cooked by grandma and us enjoying it together with our cousins? The impromptu plans and surprises, going to movies and amusement parks, meeting relatives, getting so many gifts, or just staying home watching movies together and playing games. All of this is fun too, enjoying the vacation along with birthday celebrations.
Another thing where the opinions changed was birthday outfits. For me, it was always my parents who used to choose them when I was a kid. And they were a little too heavy. I used to love the colors and the design, but breathability? Had to give it up. Most of my birthday would be me wearing that heavy outfit and sitting under a fan. A few of them agreed with me and added that they mostly used to sit next to a cooler and just watch TV, but many disagreed and said they liked their special dresses. Some used to wear it only in the evening, and some used to choose the perfect ones and frolic. But all of us agreed that searching so many stores for that one outfit was really fun.
The best birthdays we have had were during our late teens. Choosing outfits with parents changed to choosing them with friends. And this time, I chose the outfit I liked and it felt so good (finally). Us inviting our friends for a party changed to them throwing us a party. And getting wishes on call changed to cool Instagram stories. One of my friends got a special party from their cousins two days before their birthday. One had thrown a party with all his school friends in 10th grade and experienced watching an IPL match live in the stadium for the first time, and another had a special party thrown by their close friends. For me, it was my 19th birthday which I celebrated with my friends and made some everlasting memories.
What’s a birthday without the party! This is where I got varied responses. Some liked it because it was just the beginning of summer and most of their friends would come to the party. But it wasn’t that fun for those who had their birthdays in May because everyone would either be on vacation or they used to drop out because of the sweltering heat. We would get so excited looking at our friends and family coming for our party. The joy we experienced when everyone used to sing the birthday song for us. Just looking at them and smiling, not knowing what to do (very awkward, but feels good). The cake cutting followed by a delicious dinner. And can’t forget about the gifts! I’m sure there used to be this one uncle whose gift would be the coolest! It was this moment that was the most exciting.
Having a birthday in the summer is a little sad. But it has its own satisfaction. Though the way we celebrate birthdays has changed over time, the joy remains the same. I mean, it’s our day after all. It was great asking all of my friends who share the same birthday season to share their experiences. And I’m sure even they had fun describing it. And yeah, Happy birthday to everyone who has a birthday in the summer! Even though you don’t get to give everyone chocolates, try to have as much fun as you can! <3
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