My Chocolate English Birthdays!

by Elizabeth
(New York)

Birthdays in England were always a big event, where the entire family gathered around. I remember distinctly that my birthdays were full of sweets and goodies. My mother would prepare a three tier cake, and pack tiny gift bags for my guests.

The bags were full of little marbles or trinkets, and candy bar or other sweet. Mother decorated our home with my favorite flower, lilac (which is not so easy to find in the dead of winter!). Their fragrance filled the house.

When the family arrived for the celebration, the men went down to the corner pub to drink and socialize, while the mothers entertained the children with numerous games.

Traditional favorites are "pin the tail on the donkey," "pass the parcel," and "duck, duck, goose." I believe these are traditional British games, although their sources may have been borrowed from other countries and cultures!

The most memorable part of birthdays in England was definitely the overwhelming amount of sugar that was consumed on this day! All varieties of chocolates were bought from the store, and a wide assortment of delicious baked goods and afternoon cakes from local British shops.

My favorite sweet to receive on birthdays was always a chocolate button.

Later, the parents (and sometimes us children once we got older) would break for tea.