Kritikos' Scottish Birthday Party

by Kritikos
(Lanark, Scotland)

Birthday Celebrations in Scotland

In Lanark, Scotland I always looked forward to my birthdays. I just knew that when my birthday rolled around, I was in for the biggest party of the year! All my friends and family would gather in front of my house where the festivities would start.

Some of the traditional Scottish things we did were dancing, playing the bagpipes, and drinking.

My uncle was wonderful at playing the bagpipes, so it became a family tradition for him to play at all my parties. While he performed his harmonic songs, we would dance along shouting, cheering and overall just rejoicing in another year of life.

As night came, we would have a little wine to sip while talking and sharing stories. Later, dinner would be served. My mom always prepared my favorite, lamb with potatoes. We went through many plates of it throughout the night!

Towards the end was my favorite part of the evening. We would share folk stories and scary stories, some that spooked a few people for the rest of the night. My grandparents told tales of the past, and what growing up was like in their generation. My grandfather especially liked to tell stories of the days when he served in the army.

As I look back, I notice that my birthdays in Scotland were the best I ever had. They had a laid-back, comfortable mood to them. The most satisfying memory to me is we were surrounded by the ones that loved us.