Birthday celebrations

Today is all about celebrating G’s 70th birthday. Being a Christmas baby means he’s spent his life having all his presents on one day of the year, sharing his special day with a day special for everyone else.  He never complains, and is grateful for the fact it means he’s surrounded by family (on alternate years at least) and has never had to work on his birthday. 

We’d talked about a celebration amongst tropical warmth, but he’s adamant he wants to stay at home and it’s definitely been a good decision. I really don’t  think the heavily pregnant Solveig would relish a long plane journey! So it’s just a case of trying to make his day as special as we can; after all, he really deserves it. 

There’s a Buck’s Fizz breakfast of croissants, scrambled egg and smoked salmon, then the opening of birthday presents. We decided on a ‘no present’ Christmas two years ago, so the focus on his birthday presents is easy. (I must admit to missing the ritual of opening gifts, each taking one in turn so we appreciate one another’s presents. But it was the boys’ decision to replace individual presents with food or drink treats towards the family Christmas. It’s certainly relieved one of aspect of the stress for me, though there’s also joy in buying gifts for others.)

A walk along the prom is cancelled as the rain comes in, and we settle down to listen to G’s violin recital. He’s been practicing for weeks, a variety of pieces with accompaniments he’s found through the wonders of YouTube. It’s delightful - an old fashioned throwback to the days of traditional family entertainment. He plays some of our special pieces - Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, Cinema Paradiso, the Israel Kamakawiwo’ole version of Over the Rainbow - reminders of precious times in our life together. 

Then it’s on to the birthday meal - Japanese salmon starter followed by venison (nut roast - again - for the non meat eaters) and a birthday trifle desert. There is a birthday cake but inevitably we’re far too full to even think of eating it! Then there are the inevitable family photographs to celebrate the event.  

It’s always special being together, especially at this time of the year, made even more joyous by the prospect of a precious granddaughter arriving within the next two months. 


My main today is the birthday celebration, with extras of G’s recital and the expectant couple!