OUR CHILDHOODS WERE some of the best times of our lives.
But even in those relentlessly fun youthful years, there were some particular highlights. The day when you were the undisputed centre of attention, when siblings could be beaten with impunity, and when you were showered with gifts like some sort of exotic prince.
That’s right. Childhood birthdays.
Mixing minerals
Fanta and Coke and 7Up in the one glass. And who on God’s green earth was going to stop you? A delicious, giddy high – not only wrought by the sugar, but the delightful wrongness of the mixed minerals. Taste aside, this was the best.
Party games
Pin the tail on the donkey, pass the parcel, musical chairs… We’ve really never managed to top the sheer exhilaration of childhood party games in our adulthood.
Entertainment
For those of us lucky enough, there might have been a magician or a clown. Or even… A BLOODY BOUNCY CASTLE.
The food
Cocktail sausages, more marshmallows than you could shake a stick at and – but of course – acres of Rice Krispie cakes, stretching yonder across the kitchen table as far as the young eye could see.
The PRESENTS!
No explanation necessary.
Goodie bags
And not only was the entire day full of sweets and mineral concoctions, but you also got to bring back a little plastic fun bag of delights. Childhood parties: the gift that kept on giving.
Balloons
Everything about balloons. Blowing them up, hanging them at the gate like a mark of the beast to indicate the party was on, balloon animals, balloon crowns – and finally, popping them in a friend’s startled face. Balloons, my friends. Balloons.
Blowing out the candles
And making a wish, of course.
