American Woman in India Reveals Why She Dislikes Birthday Celebrations
Birthdays hold a special place in our hearts. They mark a day of joy, celebration, and feeling truly cherished. People of all ages eagerly await their birthday each year, looking forward to treats, gifts, and memorable moments with loved ones.
However, not everyone enjoys the same birthday experience. Kristen Fischer, an American woman who has called India home for several years, finds herself missing her native traditions on her special day. While she deeply loves India, this cultural difference makes her long for home during birthdays.
A Stark Contrast in Birthday Customs
Kristen Fischer points out a significant difference between American and Indian birthday celebrations. "There is a big difference in how birthdays are celebrated in the US and in India," she explains. In India, when friends invite her out for a birthday party, she feels hesitant because she knows she will likely have to pay the bill.
This practice confuses her. "This makes no sense to me, because in America, if it's your birthday, people want to celebrate you—not the other way around," she says. In the United States, the birthday person is never expected to pay. Friends and family take charge by organizing the party and contributing financially to ensure the celebrant does not spend anything.
American restaurants often add to the celebration by offering complimentary items. "Most restaurants in the US will either give you a free dessert or a free drink or meal, and I feel that's how it should be," Kristen notes. She admits honestly, "To be completely honest, I don't like celebrating my birthday here because it puts a burden on the person whose birthday it is."
Kristen's Journey to India
Kristen Fischer moved to India with her husband four years ago, but their connection to the country began earlier. Their first visit eight years ago lasted three months and left them captivated. "We went back to the US, had two daughters, but at the back of our minds we always wanted to return to India one day," she recalls.
Eventually, they made a bold decision. "We decided to sell our possessions and move our small family to India," she shares. The transition involved challenges like learning a new language, adapting to different cuisine, and navigating an unfamiliar culture. Despite initial fears, they persevered, made friends, and started a business in India.
Their family grew in Delhi with the birth of their third daughter. Yet, they felt incomplete. "We had always dreamed of adopting and helping a child in need," Kristen says. Nearly two years ago, they welcomed a beautiful two-year-old girl with special needs into their family. After surgery and with prosthetic devices, she is now learning to walk normally, bringing immense happiness to the family.
Passion for Travel and Cultural Exploration
Kristen Fischer is an enthusiastic traveler who regularly shares her adventures on social media. Her posts provide vivid glimpses into the places she visits and the experiences that shape her life in India. She offers detailed travel stories, cultural observations, and interesting encounters from her journeys.
In a recent Instagram post, she listed numerous cities she explored in 2025, highlighting how travel remains a significant part of her life. Her earlier content consistently reflects a deep curiosity about new destinations and a genuine love for discovering diverse cultures.
While Kristen often speaks positively about India after years of residency, her birthday reflections reveal a cultural divide. She misses the American tradition where the birthday person is celebrated without financial burden, underscoring how even small customs can evoke nostalgia for home.
