Today marks the 25th anniversary of when I was blissfully born into existence. Most of the time I'd be at home in Lewisville but this year I celebrate in Korea. It's actually my third birthday abroad. When I was 21 I was in Greece and when I was 24 I was still here in dae-han-min-gook.
So what's it like celebrating your birthday abroad? I would say that, like all holidays, it's there. It's a thing, it's a day that passes, but it's not really that holiday. Like Christmas and Thanksgiving and other holidays, I've found that it's not the day that makes the occasion, but the traditions, the people. During Christmas at my house we celebrate with waking up early (forcefully), eating something sweet baked in the oven, and then going our separate ways until it's time for dinner.
Dad's working on the latest gadget, Nathan's playing video games, Nia's usually reading a book or fiddling with an electronic. Mom is cleaning up and drinking coffee and I'm recounting all my gifts to my friends over the phone.
This past year in Korea, however, I celebrated Christmas day by going ice-skating in an overly crowded park, and playing secret Santa. All of our activities for the day were Christmas related but they weren't Christmas.
15 months is a long time to be away from home, and I've felt that harder than ever now that it is my birthday.This year I've had dinner with friends, ice-cream, gifts and hugs. However, it doesn't compare to going home to that wooden table covered in birthday wishes from everyone in the family and getting to choose whatever I wanted for dinner. (Lasagna! Pizza! Thai!)
It's melancholy at times, but I know that I will appreciate the time I was celebrating my birthday abroad in the years to come, just like I appreciate the times at home now that I'm not there.
25.
Let's make this year the best one so far!
xoxo
Imani
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