Memoir Writing Prompt: Birthdays—Simple or Elaborate?

Birthdays were big when I was growing up. No, we didn’t have parties with ponies or clowns or lots of friends—it was just Mom, Daddy, and the four kids. What we did have was a birthday cake specially made and decorated by Mom. Mom was always baking cakes and other desserts, but our birthday cakes were special. Sometimes she bought cake decorations and candle holders (if Mom put money into something, it had to be big). And, yes, we had a couple small gifts. When it was Mom’s birthday, my sister and I made the cake or Daddy bought one—that was a huge splurge!
Yesterday was Mom’s 97th birthday and, of course, we made a big thing of it. Her niece, a professional cake decorator, brought the gorgeous cake. Her gifts? Lots of greeting cards and pictures of extended family. She loved them all and will reread each card many times.

Memoir Writing Prompt: How did your family celebrate birthdays? Is there one birthday that stands out in your memory more than any other? Write about it.

Today’s Writing Prompt: How did you celebrate your last birthday? What is your idea of a perfect birthday celebration?

Enjoy writing today for your generations to come.