Underage Celebrations

I managed to have a bit of a culture shock when I walked into class on Monday.

I opened the doors to 8 giddy students; with Vera standing and cutting a small cake.

"Oh! A birthday cake- whose birthday is it?” I asked.
“Artem’s!” they replied in unison.

And then…. I noticed the champagne bottle.

Vera dutifully offered me the first slice of cake and handed me a plastic cup filled with champagne.
“Oh…” I flustered.

So yeah- I taught class with a sugar-high and a bit of a buzz.

Something I would never have anticipated doing in the States. And then too- I was sharing the moment with a group of 13-15 year olds! I learned quite a bit about the celebration of birthdays, though. Just as kids in America bring homemade cupcakes for their class, students here bring treats for their fellow classmates as well. I guess it’s the booze that’s the difference!

And so one by one all the students toasted Artem. I’ve learned that no celebration in Ukraine is complete without lifting ones glass over and over for toasts.
One student, (the class clown) wished Artem, “a lot of girls” while others had lovely wishes such as “a life filled with friends” or “a lot of happiness” etc.

At one point, I did blurt out to my group that, “This- I motioned, indicating the champagne glasses, “would NOT happen in America.”

Artem’s response, much to my amusement, was quite apt- “This is not America!”
It sure is not!