Today, I would describe my family’s culture as simply American. However, we do have one unique tradition: the birthday table. Everyone gets a birthday table to wake up to on his or her birthday. When we were young, going to sleep the night before our birthday felt like going to sleep on Christmas Eve waiting for Santa. But unlike Christmas, the next morning would be all about you! Of course, the content and excitement levels evolved over the years as tables with wrapped toys turned into cards with money and flowers. We do our best to make sure everyone gets some form of a birthday table no matter what age. The first picture is from my birthday this past February with cupcakes, flowers, and inside that box is a large painting from my parents. Somehow, no matter where I am living, my mom has always found a way to make it work. My roommates have been great sports and I never expect it, especially the older I get. The second photo is my mom’s table from this past weekend. We were visiting my grandma in Orlando, where my grandma had it set up waiting to surprise my mom when we arrived. My family is very loving year round but birthday tables are one tangible way we let each other know we are grateful that person was born!