How do you like to celebrate your birthday...or do you?

Birthday presents and cake - Happy Birthday to me!
United States
July 21, 2007 5:47pm CST
Today is my 60th birthday! I don't look it, I don't feel it and I don't want it! lol...but it is what it is. I've been very content today hanging around my apartment and trying not to think about it. Now I have to go to dinner with my kids and I'm really not looking forward to it. I know it's sounds horrible but I've never really enjoyed celebrating my birthday no matter how old I was. I really appreciate what they are doing and if I had friends they said they would have thrown me a big party but I'm quite the loner and basically stay to myself. Now if they wanted to invite my guy friends...lol....they would have a room full of people. But of course that wouldn't work. So, do you celebrate your birthdays? If you could do it any way you wanted to what would it be? A big night out or a quiet family gathering?
9 people like this
35 responses
@superchook (1786)
• Australia
21 Jul 07
Happy Birthday! I prefer to just have a quiet family time on my birthday. I don't want a big deal made of it. Just having my kids and my husband there is all I need on my birthday.
1 person likes this
• Australia
23 Jul 07
I am glad that you got to enjoy it.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jul 07
It was very nice last night with just me kids. No big hullaballoo just dinner and chat. I enjoyed it.
1 person likes this
• Israel
22 Jul 07
i agree with you
• United States
22 Jul 07
I am 38 years old, so I started to count down now. No not really. I for the most part spend my birthday here with my lover but even he forgets sometimes. I dont say anything about it any more because it is too close to valintines day.
1 person likes this
• United States
25 Jul 07
At 38 years old it's a bit early to start "the count down"...lol...you have a loooong way to go. Just enjoy every one of your birthdays no matter what year it is.
• United States
25 Jul 07
I will be forever young. I dont want to grow up, I'm a toys R us kid. LOL. I am kidding. Like I tell others age is just a number. As long as I can still play jokes on people I am happy.
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
21 Jul 07
I am one those people who hate birthdays, I tend to just hide away, I was always a shy person and I could never stand the attention birthdays brought, I am not shy anymore but i still don't like birthdays, I guess it just means one year older to me.
21 Jul 07
maybe as u said "it just means one year older to me." but people tries always to make happiness and create joy ..i'm a shy person too i used not to celebrate my bd ...cause i don't like the organized parties ...i used to receive gifts as a surprise but..i think it become boring too ...i like to have an unorganized party or to have it as a surprise prepared by friends ..i think it would be the best bday ever ...
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jul 07
Sometimes I think the parties are more for our friends than they are for us. My son couldn't wait to dig into the birthday cake!
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
22 Jul 07
I like a small celebrations, feel really hurt if I get nothing, 51 and still a kid at heart and if nothing else I will at least get myself angelfood cake with lots of chocolate frosting - and have been known to eat the whole thing myself as revenge on the kids for forgetting Mom's birthday.
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
22 Jul 07
Now my next to the oldest is the best - no matter where he is in the world he never forgets Mom's birthday or Mother's Day. I felt bad last night after I shut down the computer I realized I didn't wish you a happy birthday. So, it's late but HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jul 07
Kids will be kids huh? When their younger they have so many other things on their minds than Mom's birthday. My kids used to be that way but now that their older I know they will get me something. My son got me a new microwave that I've been needing and wanting and my daughter gets me bags of Dunkin Donuts coffee beans and candles which she knows I love! I have a daughter in Long Beach, CA who has probably forgotten because I haven't heard from her or even received a card...but I'm used to that.
@raychill (6525)
• United States
22 Jul 07
firstly, happy birthday! Secondly, I'd rather not celebrate my birthday. I took my birthday this year pretty badly. I know it'll sound like nothing to you because my fellow co-worker who is also 60 thinks I'm crazy but I turned 25 this year and it was a pretty big deal. My birthday was on a wednesday and I figured what's the point in asking off of work. I'd end up being home alone while everyone else is at work. it's not like i had anything to do or anyone to do it with. I told my work to not acknowledge it...and everytime someone said "happy birthday" i pretty much didn't acknowledge them. When they tried to get me into the big office I blatantly refused and I said I wanted nothing! then they said "at least have some cake" and I was like fine, but no singing! the moment I walked by the window they started singing and I turned around and went back to my desk. Someone even tried to give me a piece of cake, it was chocolate which I hate, so I turned that down too. not to mention they were celebrating someone elses birthday who was having a birthday that weekend, so it wasn't like the party and cake was JUST for me. Of course, I still felt like a big huge jerk but I didn't want acknowledgement and I had already had a bad day not to mention didn't want to think about being 25 that...that was just the icing on the cake so to speak! Then I went out afterwards with my parents for dinner which then ended with going out shopping with my mom. where she wanted to show me furniture her and my dad were buying and then trying to find me an outfit to wear to my cousins wedding a few weeks later. the night ended great with my mom then talking about my brother and his wife and kids which is a subject that always ends in a fight. I was so thankful to get back in my apartment and go to sleep with my fuzzy little cat by side. He's the only person I would have liked to spend my day with. So the point of that long story (Sorry! I babble!) is that, when you're a kid your birthday is really all about you. It's so fun and you're so happy and you get presents and everyones all focused on you. As you get older (for me it was probably when I got to double digits. 10/11) there's other things that are important. School and homework and this and that. You don't get the tons of toys and such you got as a kid. You don't get the big parties you did as a kid. Heck half the times my parents barely even remembered it was my birthday. at least, that's how it's been with me. My birthday this year proved it. Nothing was just about me, because even the party at work was a double party and they got a cake that I didn't even like. Usually they get a cake specifically for the person. They know she likes strawberries so they get a strawberry cheesecake. or he likes devils food so they make him a devils food cake. They KNOW I hate chocolate as I've turned down chocolate many times and they know I'm a very picky eater. So the cake wasn't even FOR me. Going out with my mom was still all about, my parents and then my cousin and then my brother! like, hello it's MY birthday and I'm having a hard time dealing with 25! can't it be about me at ALL? I've hated my birthday since I was at least 10 or 11 years old. Not to mention my birthday is Memorial day (may 30) so half the time people completely forget because they're too busy enjoying the memorial day weekends and bbq's and sales. Sorry to babble. I hate birthdays! I'd rather just spend the day at home alone watching movies and doing what I want to do by myself. Hope you enjoyed my babble and enjoy/ed your 60th!
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jul 07
I totally enjoyed your "babble"! It sounds a lot like my kids. When my son turned 30 he just about lost it! You would think he was an old man. My younger brother also takes his birthday's bad and he's 12 years younger than me. Every time one of the "cries" about their age I remind them about my age and they shut up fast! :)
1 person likes this
@raychill (6525)
• United States
22 Jul 07
Ha ha. Well I'm glad that you enjoyed my babble. Like I said, I figured at 60 you would think it's silly to be upset about turning 25 :) most of my friends and such are older than me so they don't even understand it. I think every person takes age differently. for me 25 has always been the scariest age for me. turning 30 doesn't scare me, 50, 60 ... nothing else scares me. It was just this 25 hump! at least next year i'll be over it :) and maybe for once I'll have a better birthday. I mean, I went to disney world for my 21st and i did quite enjoy that one!
1 person likes this
@az03r4 (913)
• Indonesia
25 Jul 07
Absolutely yes and not. B'coz I only celebrate my b-day by treat my family and friends if I have money, that's all. How pity, isn't?
@az03r4 (913)
• Indonesia
18 Mar 08
Hey, thanks for the marks.
• United States
22 Jul 07
I enjoy small family gatherings to celebrate my birthday. I also like when my husband takes me out to dinner for my birthday. Recently my son who is 39 said I could start counting backwards now that I've hit 60. I guess in the Fall I'll be 59. ha! Happy Birthday to you.
• United States
22 Jul 07
I think I'm going to start doing the same thing! Next year I will be 59...sounds good to me.
@sunshinecup (7871)
22 Jul 07
I don't celebrate mine, I hate my birthday with a passion. However hubby is sure to celebrate it every friggin year by doing his dorky "You're a year older dance" all darn day. LOL, the nerd!
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Jul 07
I think his dance sounds very cute! WTG hubby!
@arcidy (5005)
• United States
22 Jul 07
Well When I was younger I always use to have a slumber party where I would invite 4 or 5 of my friends and my causins which were only 2 I miss those days those were some fun slumber parties staying up all night eating watching movies and playing video games now I just have one friend and if the celtics are playing we would go see them on my birthday which is still fun.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jul 07
You must live in Boston too if you watched the Celtics! I also remember slumber parties and how much fun they were. Mine are a lot different now that I'm so much older...lol...
@shinjiao (1457)
• China
22 Jul 07
Hi,ctrymuziklvr! Happy birthday to you! At the end of this year I will be 21 years old!Wow,congratulations to myself! My 21st birthday,I just want to share it with my parents and best friends.Ha,it seems that each birthday I share it with my parents and best friends,however,I really don't know except them,who can share my birthday with me.Yow know,sharing your birthday with strangers is an odd thing,at least I think. What about my birthday gifts?I JUST WANT A STUFFY TOY! Yes,a stuffy toy,too childish!But I just want it!I like stuffy toy very much.
• United States
22 Jul 07
Turning 21 is quite a milestone in your life and you should celebrate it big time. I love stuffed animals too and have quite a lot of them. I get them for Valentines Day and Christmas from my kids usually.
• Malaysia
22 Jul 07
i love to celebrate my birthday:D ..i prefer a lovely dinner with a priceless company, or a vacation would be nice too! haha. i try to take time off work on my birthday, if i can. happy birthday! i hope that you have an awesome birthday, no matter what you do. take care and don't forget to make a special birthday wish;)
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jul 07
A vacation would be a great way to celebrate a birthday. I wish I thought of that.lolol...I did make a special wish too!!
• Philippines
22 Jul 07
i dont celebrate my birthday.. celebrated my brthday once when i was a year old..after that i dont anymore not even on my debut..i treat my birthday as an ordinary day..i dont go out i just stay on my room..watch movies on dvd..lay down and relax all day..i dont go to work on my birthday..
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jul 07
Not going to work on your birthday is a great way to celebrate. As long as you are doing what makes you happy that's what matters.
@tuffy999 (794)
• Philippines
22 Jul 07
just have dinner with my family and maybe a few friends. Happy Happy Birthday.
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Jul 07
Sounds like a happy birthday to me!
• Philippines
22 Jul 07
My last birthday was very traumatic..i don't want to celebrate or even think of my birthday..its like remembering the most painful experience in my life.
• United States
24 Jul 07
I'm sorry to hear that. As traumatic as they can be birthdays should never be the most painful experience in anyone's life!
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
21 Jul 07
Happy Birthday To You Happy Birthday To You Happy Birthday To ctrymuziklvrrrrrrrrrrr Happy Birthday To You Hip Hip Hooray Hip Hip Hooray! I hope you have a lovely time with your family. I know what you mean though wanting to just have a quiet one at home. Gone are the days where I looked forward to celebrating it by having a party or something. Now I prefer just my husband and son, maybe a nice lunch out or movie or even a nice homecooked meal by my husband. I do look forward to calls from family and or emails on the day, thats always nice. Happy Birthday :)
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jul 07
Thank you. Those days are definitely gone. I remember when I appreciated a party too. Now it's more of a family thing and I enjoy that.
@naty1941 (2336)
• United States
21 Jul 07
I have always had a problem celebrating my birthday as it is on Dec. 25 so everyone is celebrating christmas day and forgets about my birthday. Probably, better that way; LOL they forget how old I am.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jul 07
I remember when I was a kid having friends who's birthdays were Dec. 25 and they hated it. I'm sure now that they are older they feel a lot different.
@UDDERONES (887)
• United States
22 Jul 07
First let me say Happy Birthday ctrymuziklvr!!! I would have never guessed you to be 60 years young. But I celebrate my birthday by going out and partying. I am 35 years old and my birthday is on New Years Eve so it is a fun time. However, I have been disappointed the last two years as friends tell me they are comming to the bar and then never show up. I was so disappointed last year that I almost went home, but husband convinced me to stay. I ended up making new friends and it was so much fun. That is the one time I allow myself to drink and be marry. But I always make sure that my husband is not drinking to drive us home or we get a motel room there at the hotel bar. But I am growing tired of it. A few birthdays we stayed home and just slept in my birthday and the new year. Have a nice time with your family and a nice birthday.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jul 07
That's cool having your birthday on New Years Eve! It must feel like the whole world is celebrating it. It's too bad you've been disappointed though.
@vicki2876 (5636)
• Canada
21 Jul 07
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! I love my birthdays. We don't have to do anything at all but it is nice to spend some fun time with the family. This year I got the kids to play hooky from school and we went on a day trip to the city. I am a loner and keep to myself so there wouldn't be any big bashes or anything. Last year was my 30th and we all went to the beach for a picnic and cupcakes. Drawback lighting a candle in the wind. LOL Considering ever other day are for everyone else it is nice to have a me day. Enjoy your special day friend! Vicki
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jul 07
I bet your kids enjoyed that day! Going to the beach for the picnic sounds like an awesome way to celebrate a birthday but lighting those candles...hmmmm....
• United States
22 Jul 07
I usually celebrate my birthday with fireworks. Mine is 2 days from Independence day, so it is natural that it's more a celebration of the holiday than my birthday. I'd love to do it up with cake, icecream and presents instead of fireworks and more fireworks. LOL
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jul 07
How cool! Fireworks on your birthday! So many people have birthdays on or around holidays. Makes you feel like the whole world is celebrating with you doesn't it?
• United States
22 Jul 07
I rarely ever do anymore. I mean im happy that I'm a year older, but I never really get any presents or a party or anything. I'll be lucky to get a cake! ^_^
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Jul 07
I guess when your young your happy to be a year older...lol...I'm sorry you don't get any presents but I hope you at least get a cake this year. If you don't just buy one for yourself and share it with someone.