My very first day in Denmark, like right off the plane, I was thrown into a Danish Birthday Party. Overwhelmed and jet lagged, I did not get to enjoy the celebration as much as I would have liked. However, today is my host dad's birthday (Happy Birthday Flemming!). So, I got to celebrate with the family and it was so much fun.
Flemming is usually the first one up in the morning, so to carryout the first phase of a Danish Birthday we had to get up earlier than he. We quietly snuck into his room carrying Danish Flags then sang Happy Birthday (first in English so I could sing along, then again in Danish where is just waved my flag) to wake him up. After we successfully chorused Flemming from his peaceful slumber, we all convened in the kitchen for a breakfast of fresh rolls and pastries. One of the traditions (I'm not sure if this is just in my family or if this is every Danish household) is for the family to hide the gifts around the house and have the birthday boy/girl find them. Once Flemming found his presents, we dove into the delicious foods on the table.
This evening, Flemming's parents came over for a celebratory dinner. Mashed potatoes, cabbage salad, and a beef stew (of sorts) was served and it was delicious. For dessert we had an apple pie/cake and vanilla ice cream.
Later this weekend Flemming will have his friends over for an evening of cards and drinks. It is traditional, as in the US, for the immediate family to celebrate together on the actual birthday while friends and extended family celebrate on the weekend in a larger setting.
Today was an amazing day, hopefully Flemming thought so as well!
Side Note: It is getting darker earlier and staying dark later... not looking forward to the coming weeks spent commuting in the dark.
Flemming is usually the first one up in the morning, so to carryout the first phase of a Danish Birthday we had to get up earlier than he. We quietly snuck into his room carrying Danish Flags then sang Happy Birthday (first in English so I could sing along, then again in Danish where is just waved my flag) to wake him up. After we successfully chorused Flemming from his peaceful slumber, we all convened in the kitchen for a breakfast of fresh rolls and pastries. One of the traditions (I'm not sure if this is just in my family or if this is every Danish household) is for the family to hide the gifts around the house and have the birthday boy/girl find them. Once Flemming found his presents, we dove into the delicious foods on the table.
This evening, Flemming's parents came over for a celebratory dinner. Mashed potatoes, cabbage salad, and a beef stew (of sorts) was served and it was delicious. For dessert we had an apple pie/cake and vanilla ice cream.
Later this weekend Flemming will have his friends over for an evening of cards and drinks. It is traditional, as in the US, for the immediate family to celebrate together on the actual birthday while friends and extended family celebrate on the weekend in a larger setting.
Today was an amazing day, hopefully Flemming thought so as well!
Side Note: It is getting darker earlier and staying dark later... not looking forward to the coming weeks spent commuting in the dark.