I think only during their college days my sons celebrated their birthdays with some of their close friends. Never on a grand scale. Being born in a middle-class family, they were aware of the limitations and respected them. I have to say they never complained or demanded. From a young age, my own birthday never excited me. My wife too was like that. Reconciliation perhaps to hard truths apart from an attitude of contentment.

Then came the real birthday celebrations. Not of us or my sons but my grandchildren. On average, we have been visiting the USA once in two years. Most of these visits started between March and May except once when we went in September to attend a grandnephew’s wedding. Between May and July, three of my grandson’s birthdays, all except my eldest, which is in December.

Though our first experience in celebrating our own grandson’s birthday came about only in 2014, before that we had attended the birthdays of the kids of our sons’ friends.

Before the pandemic, the kids were always accompanied by both parents. The crowd would become sizable. Preparation for whatever is to be served would start at least a day earlier. Preparing five or six dishes, arranging them in cups and plates, all take time. Kids love pizzas. Then the practice of ordering pizzas with specific toppings came into vogue. So one of the main dishes was out of the equation. Yet others had to be prepared. Decorating the house was another time-consuming activity. And the kids needed entertainment. Over a period of time, we have watched magicians, scientists, etc., perform for the kids.

Then came a period when we witnessed celebrations in cabanas or log cabins in parks with some fun activities for the kids. With the unwelcome arrival of the pandemic, these celebrations ceased for some time. And when they did recommence, they were held for only the kids. The parents would drop off the kids and leave and come back only to collect them. And slowly now this has shifted to activity centers like trampoline jumping, laser tags, swimming pools, and many such activities. Of course, limited to the kids with something to eat provided always.

For the first time too, I came to know of the practice of return gifts for the visiting kids. Nice idea. But could there be a more thoughtful selection of the gifts or make them useful? During the first few visits, the return gifts were almost standard. But now people have become more innovative.

And the gifts the birthday kid receives? I have seen many unopened packages. Sometimes more than one Thomas Train or Lego Set. How many toys can the kids play with? Anyway, the kids have their own choices of what they like. I sincerely believe toys are a must for a kid’s mental growth. But nowadays, they are spoiled for the plethora of toys they have. When I think of this, plain gift vouchers appeal to me as the best gifts. Let the child choose what is desired. Or is there any way these gifts and presents can be avoided?

The problem is the kids, mostly between the ages of 5 and 13, enjoy these birthday parties and are excited to open the packages. Why not let them enjoy this short period in their lives?

I have seen generally after 13, teenage, the interest in such parties' wanes, and the kids prefer sleepovers with select friends. And in the high school and college days, they prefer to go out with select friends. So let them enjoy this period of seven to eight years.

Are these celebrations needed? Kids need to get together. They need to enjoy each other’s company. Also, they need the taste of getting gifts. So why not have them? Scale up or scale down according to your budget. After all, what the kids enjoy is the togetherness with the kids, the cake cutting, eating, and playing together. Gifts per se thrill them rather than their cost or uniqueness.

Childhood days are precious. We should ensure these days are made memorable for them.

Continued in 271 - Wait Watch Weight - Part 1