Since I have been talking about birthdays for the past couple of weeks, I thought this might be a good time to discuss birthdays... I began reading comments online and was surprised to hear several folks say that birthdays mean nothing to them. It's just like another day...
I am the OPPOSITE. I find every way I can to celebrate... Birthdays are a time of celebration to me. I don't necessarily need gifts on my birthday ---but I still love to celebrate. As you know, if you have read my blog for some time, George and I both surprise each other with some kind of short trip on our birthdays. Just being together and being out in nature celebrating each other is enough for us.
We all know that kids love having birthdays.. Of course, they love it for the cake (cute picture from the internet), for the gifts and the parties.. Did you have birthday parties when you were little????
As an adult, what do YOU do to celebrate your birthday these days???
Do birthdays remind you of getting older --and does that bother you????
Were you ever sad on your birthday? Did someone FORGET your birthday?
Some people (women especially) don't EVER tell their ages... Are you one of those????
WELL----no matter whether you celebrate birthdays or not, all of us need to CELEBRATE LIFE.... So get out there and have some fun!!!!
And remember this:
And THIS:
Well---I have posed alot of questions for you to ponder... Just pick one or two and TALK... I'm interested in what you think!!!!! OR---if you wish, tell us about your favorite birthday ever!!!
Have a good weekend, and don't forget to pray for the people in Japan, and give donations through an agency like the Red Cross. I'll see you on Monday!!!!
Hugs,
P.S. As usual, all photos are from the internet.
69 comments:
I don't care much if my birthday gets a celebration. I like a Happy Birthday from Husband, but a gathering in my honor...with balloons and cards...? Nope.
It isn't because I fear getting older, and I have no problem telling people how old I am. I don't feel as old as I am and apparently I don't look it either...
I guess I feel that I would have to be ON if there was a party and I was the star. I would have to entertain everybody. I like parties but I don't want to have to be The Star of the Show.
And, you know, now that you've asked . . . I recall that yes, some very disappointing things have happened on a few of my birthdays.
My father missed my 18th buirthday. He was on a boat trip with some friends--male bonding (and they invited the preacher man to come along---i think their wives sighed in relief). It was a wonderful opportunity for him--traveling down the inland waterway from MD to FL. But the sun rose and set with my dad and I had been raised that birthdays were extremely special. So I was hurt that Dad was away on that huge mark in time--turning 18. It took me awhile to forgive him---way too long. So silly of me in the retrospect of an adult.
Mom always let us choose our supper and what kind of cake and icing we wanted for our birthday.
Since I lived close to them even as an adult, this tradition carried on through my adult life.
The meals stopped the last few years of her life, but she still baked for me. As an adult, I always asked for her marvelous chocolate pie. She still insisted on baking a cake too and putting candles on it.
Yes, birthdays were special in our household and I carried on that tradition of specialness for my children.
Mike's family didn't celebrate birthdays all that much and he had to learn to celebrate them when he married me.
As for age, I survived a cancer scare at age 25 --was told that if I'd not discovered the pre-melanoma then, I'd not made my 30th birthday. So aging is a huge gift for me and I thankfully tell my age.
I liked this topic, Betsy. A good memory post. :)
I am not one to throw a big party for myself,but I do like to have my birthday recognized.My Mom was great at celebrating everyone's birthday in a special way.I do not care if people know how old I am,that is just a number.I already am planning my adult son's birthday for April 3.I felt that he deserved to be celebrated this year,because he also has had a big lose,in not having his Dad here to celebrate with.As for my birthday this year,it will not be the same without that special birthday kiss from my sweetheart.
Growing up my birthday was always celebrated a day late with my brother's a day early. Hence I never had the day to myself until he got married :o(
Now I take the sons out for their birthday dinners on the week-end to a resturant of their choice. It was a great idea when they were young and McDonalds was their choice. But now thanks to their age and taste, it cost me anywhere between 2-3 hundred dollars for their birthday dinner! Then on the actual day, I make a special dinner of their choice. No desserts, we're not cake people and they usually want so much for their dinner they are too full to want it. As for me, if I don't do something for my b-day myself, it becomes just another day....
Girl, I am thankful for every birthday I see!
Birthdays come and go pretty quietly at our house. My son only had 2 'real' birthday parties and he is 20 years old now. Of course, it didn't help that his birthday is so close to Christmas. But I think however a person wants to celebrate it they should ~ it's their birthday! :)
Happy Friday Betsy!
xo Catherine
Betsy what a great topic to discuss. I personally love birthdays. I admit I would get a wee bit upset if hubby forgot my birthday. Mainly because he is the only one who ever remembers my birthday.
It is funny, I love to celebrate others birthdays but mine are no big deal and haven't been since my 16th and then lastly my 21st.
I have been known to tell people I am much older than I really am. Then they will say I look spry for 81 while I actually look pretty wacked for 71:))
I am one of those that birthdays mean nothing. no celebrations. when a child mother always made a big deal with gifts and cakes, but never a party. had my one and only birthday party at age 64, I am now 66, at the nursing home where i volunteer. they gave me a birthday bash and lots of presents. the lucky thing is i married a man just like me, we both have been known to forget our birthday until the next day or even our anniversary. the only thing we do is eat out on those days. never been sad on my bd, we don't celebrate any of the holidays now. i do sometimes buy myself a present, if i want something. i am a person who does not like presents, so is my husband which is a good thing. i like to buy my own. now if someone wants to give me cash to buy something that i love. i am in the minority I know that
I brag about my age and tell it all the time!! My best friend won't tell antone. When I was a little girl, my family were Jehovah's Witnesses. NO birthdays, it was considered wrong to celebrate your own birth. Hard for a litle girl. I'll say no more about that in a public forum!! We are celebrating TWO this weekend, mine tomorrow, and my best friend's Sunday! We will go out to eat both days, with presents.
Im all for celebrating some special dates as my 60th 2 yrs ago, had a party and hired a hall and music 60 style.
Most birthdays come and go - tis true it makes one think of getting older, all I can say is - enjoy while you can.
Having birthdays are better than the alternative. As you know we enjoy celebrating our birthdays with a group of friends and Birthday Bear. Sometimes we go to a restaurant and sometimes we go on a trip together.
I believe that how you celebrate birthdays with George are the Best! I celebrate because I got to live another year??
kim
ps Cute pics
Interesting post, Betsy and I enjoy reading all the different comments.
We never made too much about birthdays except within the immediate family. I don't recall having any parties but we always had a cake. My kids had a party at one year of age and when they were 6 and that was about it. My Mother in Law was a great one for remembering everyones birthday. She was wonderful
MB
My husband and I don't give gifts to each other or take trips for birthdays or holidays. Perhaps we are so happy and satisfied living the simple life that it doesn't occur to us to want something else. We do enjoy celebrating our kids' birthdays with cake. :D
obviously, i like to be recognized or acknowledged on my birthday, but gifts are not a big deal. maybe just a dinner out and dessert. though, i will take gifts. :)
i have no problem sharing my true age, it's my weight i lie about. haha
I tend to do something fun,celebrating enjoying life for another year. It has been over 8 years since I had gifts and a cake,although I sometimes recieve a card.
Our home is TOPS when it comes to Birthdays. We all love, love, love them... (with the exception of one son-in-law)
Each of us start celebrating our BIG DAY like a week before it even gets here. I can promise you that the Birthday guy or gal sits high up on the totem pole the entire week!
And yes....I have been 49 for a few years now...The fam is so gracious....They celebrate my day with everything being centered around me and the number 49!
Good conversation today!
Hugs,
Shug
We love Birthdays and are so very thankful for each year of life, for our friends and all that God has blessed us with. My friend thank you for all of your love and prayers!! have a Blessed week-end...m...
I love birthdays. It is a grand day to get the MEASLES. Therefore, I celebrate as an adult doing what and when I wish at the moment. As a child growing up poor in middle Tn. with a birthday on the hills of Christmas, most often I was told my Christmas present was also my birthday present in one. Mother always made sure I had a fresh hand grated coconut cake on my birthday even if there were no presents. I feel like my age is a badge of time and I am proud to claim the number. Never on my birthday do I feel like the glass is half full but later in the year I may smack that wall of thought but quickly count my blessing. Peace
I'm all about some celebrating. In fact, I have a "Birthday Month"!!!
My birthday can be depressing if I don't get control. I like to be acknowledged on my birthday and love to receive gifts. I don't get many so each one is treasured. I celebrate by shopping. It's a good excuse to go shopping and shopping makes me feel good. I love new clothes and shoes. Accessories not as much. Good topic for Friday. Today is my girls birthday - 38 today. See my post.
Growing up, birthdays were always a big deal. Mom always made our favorite cake and tried to make our day special. Now, in my sixties, birthdays come and go pretty much like any other day. :)
Hi, Betsy, I LOVE MY BIRTHDAY! It means that God has given me another beautiful day and this one's just mine! Sometimes the number hits me in the head and staggers me. But it's wonderful to have a day of your own to be spoiled and celebrated. The worst part is that as the evening gets later and later I get sadder and sadder because it won't be around for another year. My husband says I'm like a little kid.
Cute post, Betsy! I like to celebrate birthdays for others and it makes me feel special when others celebrate mine. My mom always made us feel special on birthdays as a kid, so I guess that is why I want to do the same. Hope you have a great weekend! :)
Living in the post war years in Germany, I don't recall birthday celebrations. My 10th birthday was celebrated on the Arosa Kulm as we crossed the Ocean to Canada. I got something special from the Captain of the ship. My family always celebrated birthday, but somehow something would always happen on someone's special day - usually with dad - and the specialness of it would be ruined - didn't matter whose birthday it was!
Hubby and I have always celebrated each others birthday - usually by going out for a special dinner and some family event near the day when all can get together. As we're aging though, we have family celebrations whenever we can, but nothing much for our own days.
We're still grateful to be able to have birthdays and have no problem telling our age!
God bless you for celebrating your days so well!
I never was afraid to tell my age....that is one thing that I never understood. I don't want a big celebration, but do like being thought of...we never celebrated birthdays when we were kids...they were hardly acknowledged.
As John and I grow older, we like to celebrate by eating at a special place. We like Longhorn's Steaks. As a kid, I had plenty of birthday parties with frilly dresses and pin the tail on the donkey! I've never minded telling my age. Most folks think I am older than I am!!!
Hi Betsy, great questions. Seems like there are a lot of birthdays this month around blogland. We don't have big parties, just family if they are home. And if they aren't, then hubby and I usually celebrate by going out to dinner. I'll use any occasion not to have to cook! And as I turned 65 this week I was reminded how grateful I am to have this many years. My mother didn't live to see 60 and my brothers didn't live to see 50 due to the horrible disease of ALS. So, I am very, very grateful for the wrinkles and graying hair and all. That means I'm still here!
I love how you and George celebrate by going somewhere special on your birthdays. Have a great weekend!
Hugs, Cheryl
I LOVE Birthdays. I love fussing over my family for their special days. To my husband...it is just another day; but not to me!!!!
Hi Betsy, When I was five and six years old I would go to the birthday parties given by my private school classmates and talk about over-done! Amusement parks with pony rides etc. That was in the late 50's very early 60's in Los Angeles. At the time, I was unfazed but now, just wow-wow-wow! Think of the expense in sending 20 kids to such a park. Have a wonderful day!
Birthdays aren't important to me. If people remember that is nice but I don't need a party or anything.
I think that every day is special, so one particular day doesn't make much difference to me. :-)
Nope, don't care a thing about birthdays myself although I never fail to remember others. I do recall feeling cheated as a kid. My birthday was in June so I never got to bring cupcakes for the class like my brother did.
I love to celebrate other peoples BD, but just as soon mine would go by unnoticed. ha
Funny you should ask about birthdays since mine is on Monday...lol
They certainly don't hold the same excitement that they did when I was a kid, and yes there were always birthday parties.
I have been sad on several of my birthdays. Getting older doesn't really bother me though because I've always looked at it as "just a number" You know, you're as young as you feel?
I don't really do any kind of celebrating anymore. Although I do try and do something special for myself. One year I went out by myself and went shopping, another time I took my camera and went some place to take pictures. Just anything that will make me happy since it is my day :)
I don't make a big deal of most holidays, but generally at least have a special meal. You guys are my heros on celebrating life and my goal is to move more in your direction.
Growing up Mom always made us a cake complete with candles. We always got a gift.
I'm with you Betsy, I think we need to celebrate the day and the gift of life we were given.I don't mind saying how old I am. Truthfully, I sometimes have to think about it. It's only a number.
My hubby and I always go out to eat on our birthdays and we always make each other a cake. Yes, he does bake for me.
I think everybody should celebrate their birthday being with someone they love and doing what they like to do.
Have a great weekend Betsy!
(I haven't been around this week cause I've been battling the flu. Things are looking better today.)
When i was growing up my family alway celebrated birthdays with a cake and soda(the only time we were allowed to have soda pop!)
My husband's family always had a big family party with many relatives and a big fancy cake. When we raised our children we always has a special party for our children with relatives and one for their friends.
Now my husband and I have a big party for each other only when it is a "milestone" birthday, but we celebrate with dinner out and a cake every year. Every year of life is precious and should be celebrated!
I am thankful for every birthday I have. I am not for a big blow out. Something simple and quiet. It does not bother me being old. I am grateful to have lived this long and have as good life as I have had. The special birthday, I never will forget, was when I turned 80 and so many blogging friends honored me with over 80 cards. If I make it to August, I will be proud to say I am 82.
I do think birthdays are important. My grandmother used to say something like this: "Everyone remembers you on Christmas. Remembering someone on their birthday is way more special." And you know, she's right. I've been forgotten on my birthday. My kids have been forgotten on theirs. It hurts to be forgotten on your birthday.
Because the girls live so far away I don't celebrate my birthday like I did when we all lived closer. I do remember my 40th birthday that I always tease the family about. The girls had said when I turned 40 they were going to go all out with over the hill ideas they had including the grime reaper. Well my birthday came and the girls gave me a family party and nice gifts. I ask them what happened to the over the hill plan. They told me I would get that next year when I turned 40. I laughed and told them it was that year. They were so upset to have missed out. LOL The bigger surprise was my mother (who gave birth to me and should have known how old I was) thought I was only 35 that year. My 40th turned out to be a joke on everyone and I didn't have to hear all the over the hill jokes.
I love birthdays too!! The best celebrations are with the whole family, eating dinner and cake. Presents are secondary (unless you are a child). Pics are a must!! It's so fun to look back over the years.
I don't feel sad with each passing year and I don't care who knows how old I am. I'm 59!! Age is only in your head anyway.
So pass the wine, let's all eat cake and I do like your idea of going on trips to celebrate. Birthdays are special!
Oh, I forgot to mention cards. David was big on cards for birthdays, valentines, etc. He always wrote such sweet love notes. And now I'm so glad I have those to read when I'm missing him.
Both for me and my husband: birthdays are not really a party-celebrated thing. We both agreed a long time ago not to get presents any longer...we usually go out to eat at the birthday person's favorite restaurant, just the two of us and that is just fine with us. We do special trips during other times of the year, so our birthdays are really just low key days.
I dont have birthdays anymore. I havent since my Mom left.:) or passed on. Loved your post and smiled all the way thought it.
Have a wonderful night. Thanks again for the welcome back.
I don't really do birthdays. We go out, go places, buy things whenever we want, so birthdays are just like any other day.
Dearest Betsy, I feel BD's should be recognized as it's a show of one's life. I don't particularly care for the party part but do like cards from close family. That lets me know that I'm thought of on that special day. I'll never forget my 50th as it was a surprise gathering at the local steak house. My DH planned it. He was so sweet.
Oh how fun is this :) Yes!! I LOVE Birthdays!! My Mom always made them soooo very special and still does :)
I have continued this with my kids and now grandkids too! When Brian and I married he had no idea how much fun birthdays could be.
I hope we are just like you & George when our kids are gone!
Happy Weekend Betsy!
When I had kids Hubbie and I decided to concentrate on the 3 kids and forget our birthdays and we still consider them just another day with no special celebrations. Since the kids have gotten older they give us gifts even though we tell them not to spend their money.They usually give us gift cards to eat out with and we take all of them and pay for theirs so it all evens out.
I'm proud of my age and never lye about it.
Have a blessed week end.
Marilyn
As a young person birthdays were very important to me especially my 21st. Since then my excitement has declined although I still enjoy family get togethers to celebrate my birthday and others in our family especially my grandchildren.
Nah, they don't mean that much to me. We make a point of going out to dinner for my sons' birthdays but my guys don't tend to remember mine and I'm not one to give reminders. I suppose I would if it meant enough to me.
I always enjoyed birthday parties as a child but these days I prefer a quiet dinner with my hubby.
The way you and George celebrate is wonderful but with my hubby working it's hard for us to get away for trips.
Have a great weekend!
Loved this post about birthdays, especially the one about "The older I get the better I was"! That can be our theme today as we celebrate our Mom's 90th Birthday. We have been blessed to have her around for so long and still able to do the things she does. She was in the car with Frances and me one day this week and quoted the first 40 verses of Luke's Gospel to us to show us what she is preparing for the Christmas party this coming Christmas. I can hardly believe the mental power this woman has.
For me - birthday parties are not all that important...but I do enjoy celebrating with other folks. On my thirteenth birthday I was staying with my grandmother and she went to the store and bought me two gifts - a rubber ball the size of a softball and a set of Jacks (Jacs, Jax, or however it's spelled). I was the only kid around, so there was no one to throw the ball to nor to throw the ball to me - so I went outside and would throw the ball up on the house and catch it as it rolled off. Oh what fun!
I like for my family to remember my birthday but not in a big, showy way! A call, a card are enough! And I don't mind telling my age even as I've gotten older . . . I'm thankful for God's blessings in each one of those 60 years!
I neither dread nor particularly enjoy my birthdays; it's just another day. I don't mind anyone knowing how old I am (76). I don't mind going to other people's birthday celebrations, but I don't desire anything like that for myself. It's nice to get birthday wishes, but I wouldn't care, at all, if no one wished me "happy birthday;" after all, I'm really only one day older than I was the day before the anniversary of my birth.
We celebrate milestone birthdays more than those in between. For example I surprised my husband with a trip to the Bahamas for his 40th birthday. We had a small gathering to celebrate his 50th birthday. I think if you look through my posts, you'll find mention of that celebration. I remember my 50th birthday was marked by the receipt of balloon bouquets, flowers, and a cake. I received a few cards. I didn't want a party; I didn't have one. I turned 55 in February. I'm a senior citizen as far as Perkins Restaurant is concerned. It's cool to get a discount on my meals when we eat there! Speaking of eating out, we do go out to eat on each others' birthdays. That's our normal way to celebrate, I guess.
You may not know this, Betsy, but my birthday was the day before Jeff died. It was a somber day since we were keeping vigil, but I got some nice phone calls and a friend surprised me with a cake. I decided that since we didn't really get to celebrate that I don't have to count this year. :) I'm still 40 then. LOL
I sure have missed your posts! Now I'm back and will be checking in often. On my birthday I go shopping and to a movie. All my kids are out of state, so I cherish the calls and parcels too! One of them always sends flowers!
Hi Betsy, This is a fun subject to talk about. I agree that birthdays should be celebrated. Everything should be about that one special person of the day.
However, everytime my husband has a birthday, I get a bit grumpy. We are the same age six months of the year, so when he has his first, I know mine is coming and I'll be OLD LIKE HIM!!! ^.^) One year, to get back at me for this,I"m sure, he gave me candles for my cake. It took THREE packages, 20 candles in each, to be enough for my 60th birthday. Whoa...if that doesn't tell it like it is........... haha. I'll huff and I'll puff..........
I LOVE your new header picture. It is gorgeous.
Well I have to say that I belong in the group that birthdays don't mean a thing to me except that I'm a year older. I think how we view birthdays depends on how our parents viewed them when we were kids. When I was a kid by birthday may come and go and I wouldn't remember it until several days after the fact. If nobody mentions my birthday it doesn't bother me a bit.
Sixty-one comments! I guess I will wait until you get down to this one....
still waiting...
Oh dear, now I have forgotten what I was going to write!
What a lovely post..! I am gonna celebrate my 23rd next Sunday. Thanks for the post. My wishes.
Betsy you may get another yr older trying to read all your comments on this one girl! lol
I'm not a big birthday-party fan. I'm happy just letting it slide by almost unnoticed actually. lol I don't like a lot of fuss over anything. The highlight of most of my birthdays since I've gotten older, is probably having the kids at school sing to me and make little homemade birthday cards. So sweet!
I don't know how I missed your Friday post since I'm up for giving my opinion if you ask...hummmm, good question actually. I like celebrating birthdays for my son and husband but often with family in Ohio, I forget or just don't get a cared off in time but I try to remember to at least send an e-mail. I guess I do get my feelings hurt if no one or someone forgets my b'day so I guess I do care about b'days....
Great post and idea, Betsy! Hubby and I are not into gift swapping. We do go out and celebrate with a special birthday dinner. And usually we have some kind of cake too. We even celebrate the dogs birthday, Goldie Girl gets a bowl of vanilla ice cream.
My mother always made sure we had birthday parties and birthday fun, and I tried to do the same for my kids. I have no problem with telling my age (59!). I can't change it, so might as well celebrate the years.
Birthdays are not at all important to me. I have never wanted celebrations and finally my family have realised this and have stopped trying to give me parties.
I don't care who knows how old I am. 63!!!!! :):)
A few years ago, doctors told my family was told that I probably wouldn't be seeing anymore birthdays, so I am extremely grateful for each one I get. I don't like the aging process so I think of them as a celebration of life.
☼ Sunny
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