One of a kind

When was the last time you attended a birthday party? I haven't been to one for a long, long time. And I don't pretend to remember any that I attended as well. But I do remember my best birthday party ever, err...highlights of it, at least.

I don't remember the age I was then (but I remember I was in primary school then) but that's beside the point. It was not a surprise birthday party because my parents had told me about it earlier. I had the privilege of inviting my very own friends but of course, my parents invited their friends, too. I remember feeling all excited; I kept looking at the clock wishing that it'd go faster so that the party would happen right then. And then when the first guests arrived I was all shy! But, not enough to shy away from receiving all those presents with glee, of course!

I remember the table absolutely covered with all the food that my mom and aunts had helped prepare, and right in the middle of it on one side was my birthday cake. I remember cutting the cake with everyone else singing 'Happy Birthday' to me. But I guess the best part was when I went into my bedroom, with all my friends in tow, and I opened my presents one by one. I was absolutely delighted! Those were the highlights. I can't really remember the rest.

I remember attending a few of my friends as well. There would be the usual eating, and singing and sometimes even games thrown into the mix. All in all, I guess I pretty much enjoyed birthday parties.

But, I guess that times have changed. A lot.

Like I said, I haven't attended a birthday party in a long while and I'm not too sure what goes on during such occasions nowadays, but from my experience they don't vary a lot.

Or so I thought.

My wife received an invitation to attend a birthday celebration of her colleague's son the other day. And with it came an invitation card. There was a smirk on my wife's face when she handed me the card and I wondered why. And then I looked at the card and understood.

Here's the card.




Grace before meals, lunch and cake-cutting are pretty standard for birthday parties, but dance performances and beauty contests?


How's that for a birthday party? Not even an adult one mind you, but a one-year old's! I'm sure it was a very memorable one. I remember a friend's wedding reception which was nothing short of a cultural festival as well, what with all the cultural dance performances during the reception, and that memory has stayed with me because it was one of a kind!

But, is this really a one-of-a-kind birthday party or is this the norm nowadays? Perhaps, since you're into this kind of things Nick, you can enlighten me.