Cultural differences in children's birthday parties.

[TheNameIsDickDarlington]

I was recently at a child's birthday party where one of the mums questioned the classic cheese and pineapple on a stick birthday snack. Apparently, she had never seen this before.

This led me to think about children's birthday parties and how much of what I would consider a traditional child's party is specifically cultural to England (which is where I have always lived). Do most countries have the typical Bouncy castle in a hall and buffet food type kids parties or does each country have its own version of that?

I grew up in the Middle East. Birthday parties at fast food places were pretty normal - I have fond memories of pummelling the poor person in the Mr Wimpy suit! We brought the birthday cake out, did the candles/singing and then ate it at the party; I guess this explains why I do the same for my own kids 😂

I do also remember parties at home for other reasons where we had the illustrious cheese and pineapple hedgehog ♥️

I said to DH recently while planning our son’s birthday how funny it is that our families (mix of African and Caribbean) wouldn’t blink twice if there were no kids games, presents, bouncy castles, activities etc but if they weren’t offered a hot plate of food…unimaginable!

Although for us everyone contributes to the cooking so it’s less pressure on one person.

But now we end up having to do the softplay/ trampolining/ bowling etc for friends, and then host a house full of family too!