My favorite things at birthday celebrations growing up were ice cream, fruit punch, and homemade cake with sugar-icing flowers (well ... gifts, too :)

There was often a dozen schoolmates in funny hats, or wearing blindfolds and playing "pin the tail on the donkey." If the weather was nice, we played water-balloon toss, or had a sack race. And when we were older, we played records and danced. Back then it was okay for girls to dance with girls :)

The dining room was decorated with balloons and flowers for the birthday party. Gaily wrapped presents sat waiting to be torn open as soon as the cake and ice cream were finished. And so no one left empty-handed, there were always party favors, small toys and gifts for friends to take home.

These are the birthday memories of my American childhood ... a special day for sweets, games, gifts, and grinning friends on their best behavior!

Growing up, our American family lived for many years in both Japan and Germany. It seems remarkable now that we knew so little of the birthday traditions of our Japanese and German neighbors.

I imagined that the exotic scents and sounds of the Orient concealed mysterious, even mystical birthday customs. And that the savory foods and vibrant music of the Germans guaranteed an energetic, toe-tapping celebration by party-goers.

But I am only guessing, having never been a guest at a traditional Japanese or German birthday party!

So I (and our readers) look forward to hearing your real stories of birthday celebrations from your corner of the world :)

- Josie, Editor

What vivid sights, sounds, and smells do you remember about your own birthdays growing up? Did your family observe special ceremonies passed down through generations?

Even if you now live in America, Europe, or another country new to your family, are there precious birthday traditions brought with you from your ancestral home?

What did you most look forward to on your birthdays? Was it ...

• Special foods, treats, once-a-year delicacies?
• Games, competitions, feats of skill, reaching of milestones?
• Cultural ceremonies for reaching certain ages?
• Camaraderie, friendship, renewal of family ties?
• Music, songs, prayers?

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Have you a special story about birthday traditions in your family?   Our readers would love to hear ... and respond to ...your personal story!

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