Piñata

by Nina H
(Berkeley, CA, USA)

My favorite birthday party game has always been the piñata.

The whimsical shapes and color add to the festive mood of any party and the best part is, of course, the candy!

When I was turning six years old, my mom bought a piñata for my birthday party.

We strung it from a beam in the basement and filled it to the brim with all sorts of delicious treats.

I couldn’t wait for my friends to come over and play with me.

When all the guests arrived, we went downstairs and lined up, excited to take our shot at the piñata.

Who would be the one to crack it open?

One by one, my mom tied a scarf around my friends’ eyes and spun them around, so they wouldn’t be able to tell where the piñata was.

Although some managed to hit the dangling animal, none could break it.

Finally it was my turn. I was sure that I would be able to win the game and anticipated a rain shower of candy.

I closed my eyes tight and allowed myself to be blindfolded. My mother spun me around until I was dizzy.

“Whoa!” I thought. “This might be harder than I thought.” I lifted up the baseball bat and swung.

I heard a crack. Did I do it? Did I break the piñata?

I excitedly ripped the scarf off my eyes, and saw the red, swollen face of my mom.

I had hit her right in the jaw!

Needless to say, the game was over. But it all ended up OK, my mom got an ice pack and us kids got to eat the candy!