When you become an adult, birthdays often loom large, and you wish you were younger…with fewer wrinkles and pounds. Kids, on the other hand, can’t wait to be older…at least usually. One of my granddaughters recently had a birthday. When I mentioned that she would soon be four years old, she replied in a plaintive voice, “But I don’t want to be old!” I feel your pain, sweetheart.
For a child, a birthday is a huge deal. They eagerly anticipate their special day, compiling a birthday wish list and sending not-so-subtle hints to their parents. They dream about their luscious birthday cake and look forward to consuming huge pieces. When we are adults, birthdays are typically lower key…unless our new age ends in a zero. And the days of devouring large hunks of cake are long gone for most of us. Now, we nibble rather than nosh on decadent desserts. It can be difficult to find an appropriate gift for an established adult because they have already amassed a pile of accumulated presents and trinkets, and they often buy themselves whatever they want or need. My helpful hubby orders things from Amazon and then tells me to give them to him for his birthday. It’s not nearly as exciting as gifting one of my self-selected surprises but has a much lower return rate. With me, it’s the thought that counts. With him, it’s the gift.
It was fun to watch the wide-eyed wonder and overflowing excitement of my granddaughter as she viewed her birthday decorations and presents. She delighted in every detail, especially her pink unicorn cake. It was a good reminder to take notice of the little things in life and find more joy in the journey.
