Rob's German Birthdays, Growing Up

by Rob
(Hohenecken, Germany)

When I was a child growing up in Germany (Deutschland), birthdays were always filled with family and friends. A magical time filled with presents. The two presents I remember the best were LGB Trains and Fischer "Queller" blocks.

We always had black forest cake or a German log cake made with chocolate mousse.

Afterwards, the family would go to the local Hoffbrau house in Hohenecken and celebrate for the adults. Focus was very much on family, friends and smiles!

The day before my birthday, I would always be able to tell that something was building up. I would go through the house looking for presents, but of course would never find them. My mother would start baking the cake. My cousins from Frankfurt would come to town so we could all be together.

Even the birthday celebrations for my mother and father were a big family event. During the day, relatives would be in town, the kids would play, and in the evening we would set up the terrace on the back of the house and have a small family party until late into the night.

Great food, great fun, and never for lack of good company.

Aside from the joy it brought, the one memory I definitely bring away from it all is the smells. The terrace was surrounded by roses and other flowers. The air was fresh and the smell of flowers and food filled the cool summer air.

Some memories fade, but great memories always live on!