How to celebrate a birthday in America
'05.11.2018'
Source: American LIFE
A series of birthdays began in our family, which gave me the idea to tell how they are celebrated in America.
It is possible that in different states or families other traditions. I will try to summarize what I saw during the 4 year of life in the country, as there are differences in comparison with how it happens in my homeland, in Ukraine, writes Elena, the author of the blog American LIFE.
Where and when is celebrated?
I will talk about the birthdays of adults.
One of the most common places to celebrate is restaurants. This can be a separate room or simply long tables for large companies. An interesting tradition is that the guests themselves pay for themselves 🙂 By the way, this is not only during birthday parties, but also other events that are celebrated in a similar way.
Often guests are invited to celebrate home. Another unusual feature is that guests do not sit at one large table. In the kitchen area or on a separate table all dishes, drinks, etc. are put. on the principle of "buffet", and the guests put on a plate what they like. They move freely around the house, communicate with different people. Some guests can even eat on the street (when people live in a house, of course, not in an apartment). In the warm season, they like to organize holidays in the backyard.
Also, a surprise party is often organized for the birthday party (like in the movies, remember?). This can take place at home with relatives, friends or in some institution.
Sometimes a holiday is held in a rented hall (for example, in the building of a yacht club), in a night club (youth), bowling, art studio. In general, as with us, what fantasy is enough for.
Some people go on a small trip. America is a very beautiful country with many interesting places in different states, it is not necessary to go far to make your birthday unforgettable.
Unlike our countries, in America they can celebrate in advance (for example, on weekends that precede, and not those that go after). During the time that I live here, I also got used to doing that.
What is cooked?
Compared to how much we usually cook with us, we can say that they don’t bother with food here. I mean it, if you celebrate at home, not in a restaurant, there’s something to do with it 🙂.
But at the same time on American birthdays, too, no one "starves."
Here they can cook meat on the grill, salads, put dishes with snacks for snacking (all kinds of nuts, chips, vegetables, fruits, etc.) And they can just order a pizza, this will surprise no one here.
As a dessert can be cupcakes, ice cream, cake. Cakes to order are quite popular, while they cost $ 150-200 here.
What do they drink?
From soft drinks: non-carbonated water, sweet iced tea (it is popular in the southern states), Coca-Cola, Sprite, Dr. Pepper and other soda.
I don’t see much alcoholic drinks at the celebration.
If they drink something, it's usually canned beer, wine. But I think that this item will differ from different people, after all immigrants from different countries live in America. Georgia is also a fairly conservative and religious state, which also influences local traditions.
What give?
Gift unpacking is a must-have holiday item. It is not customary to simply accept gifts and unpack at home. On the contrary, they are opened at a party, they look at what they gave, thank the one who gave it. It turns out pretty fun.
Of course, what to give depends on who the person is the birthday person and financial possibilities. Close relatives (husband, wife, parents, grandmothers, grandfathers), as a rule, give more gifts or more expensive gifts, but it’s like someone’s got.
Friends and acquaintances are given something of clothes, shoes (if they know the tastes of the birthday boy), accessories, jewelry, books, etc. In principle, everything is like ours. A gift is often attached with a check, in stores it can be separately printed. There is usually no price on it, only the name and item number.
With this check, the gift can be exchanged for another color, size, or even returned to the store, in return for receiving the money or a store certificate in the amount of the value of the goods that were paid for it. It depends on the rules of the return of the trading network.
Gift cards are very popular: in shops, restaurants, etc. It may just be a gift debit card to pay anywhere. Can simply donate money.
Certificates (for example, to visit a place) are also popular, but, in my experience, such a gift can often be obtained for Christmas.
In terms of the cost of gifts in general, it is difficult to say, since the standard of living in different states and families is very different.
Flowers are not often bought on birthdays. Although it depends more on who has it. We have such a tradition in our family.
How long is the holiday?
Another feature of American birthday is that the holiday on average lasts much less than we used to, just an hour of 2-4. It’s not customary to delay a long time here.
If you celebrate in restaurants, then, most often, meet at dinner.
What are the bonuses for birthday men?
On the birthday of some places are trying to please their customers. For example, employees take out dessert and sing a congratulatory song. Saw this more than once in Mexican restaurants and in steak house.
Atlanta is the second largest aquarium in the world. A birthday party on his birthday can visit him for free (the usual cost is about $ 40).
These are the traditions of celebrating American birthday. Did any of the above surprise you?
If you live in America, please tell us in the comments how you usually celebrate your birthday.
