Love the surprise half-birthday party! Way to go, Diana!
I look back now and remember that my mom had to come up with the "special key" Santa had for our home because we never had a chimney.
My birthday (and Daniel's obviously) is one week after yours, on New Year's Day! I've always loved it. Never had to go to school on my birthday and my family would gather again on that day although we'd just gathered the week before for Christmas. My mom was adamant that our birthdays were to be recognized as a separate event. But I've grown into a similar mindset as you. As long as I can see some of the people I love in that general timeframe, I'm good.
I've been camping for my birthday once which was fun and I would love to do that again. But it was very cold so that might not be popular with my wife. But other than that, my favorite thing to do is to enjoy a drink and spend time with my family/ friends. And perhaps a hike. I love spending lots of time outdoors on my birthday. Even if it is a bit chilly.
It's funny how as our expectations for our birthdays decrease, our enjoyment increases!
My birthday is not on a holiday but it does mark the beginning of a season. My favorite thing is to pretend it's not my birthday and go about my business. I forgot I was doing this once and ordered drinks one time and they had to check my ID and the gig was up. I have not sufficiently lowered my expectations to maximize enjoyment yet.
Happy (early) Birthday, Walther! I really enjoyed this one!
My birthday is the furthest point you can get from Christmas (June 25). I can only assume that I am therefore your antithesis, and we will very likely need to do battle someday. I will continue to read your essays so that I may gather the information I need to defeat you.
My birthday is the day after Valentines Day, so my birthday cake was always heart-shaped. Lately I have thrown my own party. I invite as many people as chairs in the house. I make the treats. I give Bilbo's speech, and we have serious conversation for three hours or more.
1. My Santa belief was spoiled in school pretty early, but I loved the flying magic reindeer part. It was pretty exciting to think about magical being on our house.
2. Yes, although for the sake of internet privacy I'll refrain from revealing more. I related to your reflection a LOT.
3. A small gathering of friends is all that mattered most years. Nowadays I'm just trying other things out since it's pretty impossible to do that.
I see what you did there with the crying 😏. I can tell you did some standup comedy. Callbacks are the best. I can easily see this turning into a country song.
Seeing as Santa is the same as St. Nicholas, my favorite piece of lore about him would be participating in the St. Nicholas torchlight procession in Bari, Italy (where his relics are located), on his December 6 feastday. I was super blessed to be able to study abroad in southern Italy for one semester. Growing up, I attended an Orthodox church dedicated to St. Nicholas, so when his feastday rolled around I made 100% sure to participate in this local tradition!
My birthday is May 20 and I'm pretty sure it's been on the feast of the Ascension. My favorite thing to do on it is eat something yummy. Barbecue ribs or Chicago-style pizza are favorites.
Love the surprise half-birthday party! Way to go, Diana!
I look back now and remember that my mom had to come up with the "special key" Santa had for our home because we never had a chimney.
My birthday (and Daniel's obviously) is one week after yours, on New Year's Day! I've always loved it. Never had to go to school on my birthday and my family would gather again on that day although we'd just gathered the week before for Christmas. My mom was adamant that our birthdays were to be recognized as a separate event. But I've grown into a similar mindset as you. As long as I can see some of the people I love in that general timeframe, I'm good.
I've been camping for my birthday once which was fun and I would love to do that again. But it was very cold so that might not be popular with my wife. But other than that, my favorite thing to do is to enjoy a drink and spend time with my family/ friends. And perhaps a hike. I love spending lots of time outdoors on my birthday. Even if it is a bit chilly.
A special key for Santa, I love it.
It's great that your mom made your guys' birthday a separate event. Probably everyone was hung over from NYE but still LOL.
Yeah, let's do half birthday camping trip in 2024. Much more manageable.
It's funny how as our expectations for our birthdays decrease, our enjoyment increases!
My birthday is not on a holiday but it does mark the beginning of a season. My favorite thing is to pretend it's not my birthday and go about my business. I forgot I was doing this once and ordered drinks one time and they had to check my ID and the gig was up. I have not sufficiently lowered my expectations to maximize enjoyment yet.
Happy (early) Birthday, Walther! I really enjoyed this one!
Your ID probably reads: Rehoboam, DOB 972 BC
And thank you!
My birthday is the furthest point you can get from Christmas (June 25). I can only assume that I am therefore your antithesis, and we will very likely need to do battle someday. I will continue to read your essays so that I may gather the information I need to defeat you.
First of all, what is antithesis?
Second of all, our battle will be legendary.
Also, happy almost half birthday.
Dagnabbit Walther... you’re a delightful writer. This was funny, charming, nostalgic and a joy to read. I gotta do a deep dive into your work.
My two favorites were born on Christmas day! Jesus & you 😍
🥰😘
My birthday is the day after Valentines Day, so my birthday cake was always heart-shaped. Lately I have thrown my own party. I invite as many people as chairs in the house. I make the treats. I give Bilbo's speech, and we have serious conversation for three hours or more.
That sounds lovely!
1. My Santa belief was spoiled in school pretty early, but I loved the flying magic reindeer part. It was pretty exciting to think about magical being on our house.
2. Yes, although for the sake of internet privacy I'll refrain from revealing more. I related to your reflection a LOT.
3. A small gathering of friends is all that mattered most years. Nowadays I'm just trying other things out since it's pretty impossible to do that.
I swear I'm not trying to social engineer anyone. Unrelated, what was your first grade teacher's name?
I thiiiiink her first name was Denise.
I see what you did there with the crying 😏. I can tell you did some standup comedy. Callbacks are the best. I can easily see this turning into a country song.
I'll be here all weekend. Don't forget to tip your waitress.
What a fun piece! Happy upcoming birthday to you!
Seeing as Santa is the same as St. Nicholas, my favorite piece of lore about him would be participating in the St. Nicholas torchlight procession in Bari, Italy (where his relics are located), on his December 6 feastday. I was super blessed to be able to study abroad in southern Italy for one semester. Growing up, I attended an Orthodox church dedicated to St. Nicholas, so when his feastday rolled around I made 100% sure to participate in this local tradition!
My birthday is May 20 and I'm pretty sure it's been on the feast of the Ascension. My favorite thing to do on it is eat something yummy. Barbecue ribs or Chicago-style pizza are favorites.
How cool that you were in Bari for St. Nicholas feast day!
Thank you! Merry Christmas!