When I was a kid growing up in the American South, Krispy Kreme doughnuts were everywhere. I don’t remember going to a dedicated storefront, but I do recall being able to buy those sugar boosts in the grocery store. They were commonplace, and I definitely took them for granted.
Many years later, having moved around the country and not so much as eyeballed a Krispy Kreme for eons, it was quite the big deal when The Kreme set up shop in Southern California. Not only did I wait in line for several hours for the grand opening (it was about 108 degrees that day, too), I also wrote an essay entitled “Ode To A Doughnut” that, I was told, Krispy Kreme marketing used for promotion. Now, I have no idea if that’s true or not, but it doesn’t matter. For that opening held something greater for me than an essay and heat stroke. That’s when I started a little birthday tradition for myself. And it reinforces everything about me that is food dork and derned fool.
Here’s what I do on my actual birthday: I head over to the Krispy Kreme store – usually alone – I walk in, hold my arms open wide and announce quite loudly, “I’m here for my birthday doughnut!”
Now friends, this wouldn’t be so strange if the employees knew me. It wouldn’t be so strange if they remembered me from the previous year. Heck, I’m pretty sure it’s someone different working there each time I go in. All of this adds up to yes, it’s strange. Yes, I’m strange. But I digress…
Anyway, I go in and order 2 doughnuts (that’s right – 2) – 1 original Glazed and 1 Kreme-filled with Chocolate Icing. I also get myself a coffee, and then they usually throw in another doughnut, as it’s my birf-day, and I end up taking that one home. I sit there in the shop and enjoy that coffee and those doughnuts like nobody’s business. By the time I’ve finished, have thanked everyone and am leaving, I’ve got them all smiling (hopefully with me and not at me). As I head out the door, I call out a boisterous, “See you next year!”
It’s dorky, I know. But it’s tradition. And hey, I’m dorky. And in my little world, I’m a tradition. Three cheers for dorks!
Do you have any birthday traditions?