A few weeks ago I turned 27. It didn’t feel right to post about it then as it felt odd celebrating what usually is one of my favorite days of the year while the world was in turmoil. While there were thunderstorms on the day of my party, it also felt like storms were breaking out all across the world. It felt odd to celebrate in the midst of the pandemic and systematic racism as exemplified by recent events in the US.
Back in February, in true Danish fashion, I scheduled the date for my party, back when my parents were planning to fly out for the celebration, back when the possibility of a full-time job was on the horizon, back when the world seemed to be moving in the right direction for me. But as the months have passed, it seems like 2020 will be a year I will always remember. It has taught me so much about myself, challenged me in ways I didn’t know were possible, and provided me with opportunities that may have not existed if COVID hadn’t happened. I’m excited for 27. I know I will get through trying times. While I’m 27 I will be more actively working on myself and how can I become a better version of myself, not only for me, but for my peers, friends, family, community, and world at large.
Birthdays abroad can be hard to start, but during a pandemic I was unsure how to approach the situation. I had originally planned a joint birthday party for me and my dad (whose birthday is two days after mine). When things quickly locked down, I was unsure if it would be yet another cancelled 2020 event. But as it became May, the Danish government started allowing people to gather in groups of 10 and the Monday before my party, they began allowing groups of 50. But yet I still felt a bit of guilt, that I was allowed to celebrate while so many people were isolated in lock down, had their weddings cancelled, gave birth alone, etc. It just didn’t feel right, but I also knew that I should just be thankful I was in a situation that allowed me to be surrounded by the people I love. My in-laws drove down too for the occasion, which made me feel both closer to and farther away from my parents.
All in all, my birthday was a lovely early summer day. A stormy morning that cleared up, allowing for games in the neighborhood park. I truly hope it was a sign of what’s supposed to come. We consumed all of my favorite things: snacks, cheese pizza, cold beer, gin + tonics, and special treats a few of my friends made (that I regrettably don’t have a photo of).
Birthdays abroad are also difficult because of cultural differences. While I was raised with some Danish traditions, others were still new to me.
Five Danish birthday traditions
1. The birthday person brings their own cake to work (Not sure why but this one still shocks me)
2. The birthday person pays for the entire party/dinner/activity but guests bring a gift (typically close in value to what the host spent on each person)
3. The birthday person opens their gifts in front of everyone. In my family they also read out all the cards.
4. The guests write a silly song to a known melody and sing it together. I started collecting the ones we’ve sung in Jesper’s family since I moved here.
5. Lots of Danish flags, everywhere. If you go to a restaurant they put it on the table, if you’re Royal they decorate all the buses and castles, if you’re hosting a party you use them to make a path to the front door. You can never have enough.
Have you celebrated anything during this time? I’d love to hear your stories too!
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