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🎈 Birthday party USA vs. Germany ... 🎈

10/3/2024

Today, my son celebrated his 8th birthday in the U.S at a bowling alley. It was his first birthday here since we left Germany, and I couldn’t help but reflect on the cultural differences in how we celebrate. Here are my thoughts:

1️⃣ Date of the Party:
In the U.S., it’s perfectly acceptable to celebrate a birthday before the actual day, while in Germany, this is often considered bad luck. Germans typically celebrate either on the actual birthday or a belated one.

2️⃣ Presents:
Both cultures embrace gift-giving, but the presentation differs. In the U.S., gift bags with tissue paper are common, while in Germany, wrapping paper with a bow is still the norm. Additionally, Germans often unwrap presents in front of their guests, sometimes turning it into a playful event. In contrast, U.S. kids usually take their gifts home to enjoy privately.

3️⃣ Location of the Party:
While many families still celebrate at home in Germany, many U.S. parents opt for specialized venues for birthday parties, which can be quite costly. This reflects a shift toward more organized and event-focused celebrations.

4️⃣ Duration of the Party:
German birthday parties often last the whole afternoon or even into the evening, involving family and friends. In the U.S., kids' parties are typically shorter, usually around two hours, focusing on fun and activities.

5️⃣ Themed Parties:
Themed birthday parties are a staple in the U.S., complete with goodie bags that align with the theme. This practice has only recently begun to gain popularity in Germany, where themed parties were not as common in the past.

πŸ’‘ How do your celebrate birthday parties in your culture?