Family traditions can be a bit unconventional, but they hold a special place in my heart. Unlike most holidays, which often come with overwhelming expectations, I find comfort in the simplicity of my family’s birthday rituals. While events like Thanksgiving and Christmas can leave me feeling nostalgic about the family connections I’ve lost, birthdays offer a refreshing opportunity to celebrate just being together.
A Cherished Birthday Banner
One of my favorite traditions began back in college with my friend Jamie. For our birthdays, we created a large, six-foot-long foil banner that proclaimed “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” in bright letters. After hanging it in our off-campus apartment and adding some curling ribbons from our gifts, we carefully stored it away until the next birthday celebration. As we graduated, moved to new places, and entered different phases of life, that banner came along for the journey.
Fast forward nearly two decades, and this beloved banner has become a cherished part of our family’s celebrations. At one point, we decided to cut it in half—either for lack of wall space or to allow for more festive displays in different areas of our home. Now, what hangs on the wall the night before a birthday is a slightly worn version that reads, “BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY.” I can’t quite recall why I chose to cut it this way, but it certainly adds character to our tradition.
Over the years, the banner has accumulated ribbons from various celebrations—birthdays, baby showers, and other milestones—creating a colorful tapestry of our family history. Each ribbon reminds us of the joy that our birthdays bring, as well as the interconnected moments that make up our lives. Our family, like the banner, has evolved over time, adapting to changes yet still celebrating the love that binds us.
The Rainbow Cake Tradition
In addition to our quirky banner, we have another birthday tradition: the Rainbow Cake. This delightful dessert, lovingly referred to as the Coming Out Bundt, comes from a cookbook called Bundt Cake Bliss. Even though we’ve embraced our identities for years, the LGBTQIA+ pride represented by this cake is something we celebrate wholeheartedly. While the kids sometimes request other cakes for their parties, their actual birthday cake always features the vibrant colors of our family.
As each birthday approaches, we all anticipate the familiar sight of the banner hanging in the doorway. There’s a fun rule that the birthday person mustn’t see it being hung until they wake up to find it. Late at night, one of us quietly unrolls the well-loved decoration adorned with ribbons, ensuring that the surprise is preserved. The joy and excitement that come with our traditions never disappoint.
Explore More
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Conclusion
In summary, family traditions, no matter how quirky, bring warmth and connection to our lives. The birthday banner and rainbow cake are just two ways we celebrate our unique journey together, reminding us of the beautiful moments that shape our family.