Birthdays: celebrate them or not?
By sweet_pea
@sweet_pea (3322)
Philippines
May 2, 2011 9:11pm CST
It was my son's 5th birthday yesterday. 
And weeks before, he kept asking me if his birthday is near already.
And I kept telling him, he needs to count a few more days before it happens.
His father bought him a bicycle last weekend, while I bought a mini cake for him after work. We just have a salad and pancit (Chinese fried noodles). We didn't invite anyone. He was really happy to blow his candle. I remember when he was a baby we often prepare something every month until he reached his first birthday which was a bit of a grand celebration. Unfortunately, my husband accidentally deleted all his birthday pictures. We really didn't have a souvenir photo of the event. 
When I was young I used to be so excited like he is when my birthday comes. I'm excited about the gifts that I'll receive and having a cake. But as I grow older, the excitement slowly faded. To me my birthdays are just ordinary days already. I remember last year I even went to work and didn't celebrate. I didn't even bought myself a gift.
Do you still celebrate your birthdays or it's just another ordinary day for you?
And weeks before, he kept asking me if his birthday is near already.
And I kept telling him, he needs to count a few more days before it happens.
His father bought him a bicycle last weekend, while I bought a mini cake for him after work. We just have a salad and pancit (Chinese fried noodles). We didn't invite anyone. He was really happy to blow his candle. I remember when he was a baby we often prepare something every month until he reached his first birthday which was a bit of a grand celebration. Unfortunately, my husband accidentally deleted all his birthday pictures. We really didn't have a souvenir photo of the event.
When I was young I used to be so excited like he is when my birthday comes. I'm excited about the gifts that I'll receive and having a cake. But as I grow older, the excitement slowly faded. To me my birthdays are just ordinary days already. I remember last year I even went to work and didn't celebrate. I didn't even bought myself a gift.
Do you still celebrate your birthdays or it's just another ordinary day for you?2 people like this
21 responses
@harck721 (372)
• Philippines
3 May 11
My birthday isn't a very big event for me anymore, although it still seems to be for the people around me. It's not because I don't want to count my years anymore (I'm just nineteen) or because I don't like celebrations. It's just come to the point when money is so hard to come by that asking for something grand from my parents makes me guilty. At least they're all nice to me on that day.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
4 May 11
After my 18th birthday I don't feel like celebrating anymore. Times are hard. With the prices of commodities all soaring high, it isn't practical to spend on lavish parties. We can still make our day memorable in a simple celebration with our family.
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
10 May 11
We usually prepare pancit and paired it with a fried chicken and to our family it is already a dish from a first-class restaurant!
@harck721 (372)
• Philippines
4 May 11
On my special day, my mom usually cook my favorites. Nothing too grand, just regular food that I prefer over others. Even simple stuff like that can make the day a happy one without all the extravagance of birthday cakes and parties. Anyway, its the time I spent with my family that matters the most.
1 person likes this
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
3 May 11
Hi sweet_pea!
I think for children, birthdays should always be celebrated because they always look forward to it and it's hard to disappoint them.
I used to always look forward too for my birthday when I was younger. (I just turned 29 last month by the way.^^) But with my last birthday, I did not look forward to it. Because it's my last year with my age in the 20's. 
Yes, I admit, I don't like the thought of reaching the age of 30. That would mean I'd be nearing the end of a calendar month! ..
Yes, I admit, I don't like the thought of reaching the age of 30. That would mean I'd be nearing the end of a calendar month! ..1 person likes this
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
3 May 11
That's another reason why I don't want to spread around the date of my birthday. My boss can schedule my field work without having to worry about it and I'm just willing if he schedules my field work on the same date of my birthday. 
Thanks sweet_pea!1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
3 May 11
I bet my friends are feeling the same thing as you do.
This year they are about to be kicked out of the calendar and they are still single.
Well one has been proposed to already and I'll be expecting a wedding in 2 years time.
And the other is waiting to be proposed. She really want to get tied now but the man is really taking his time. I don't think he wants to get hitched soon.
Belated happy birthday Secretbear!
I also didn't mention my birthday at the office but somehow they got to know of it.
We have a tradition here to host a lunch or a snack whenever you have a birthday.
I got a way with it last year. I don't think I could do it again this year!
Belated happy birthday Secretbear!
I also didn't mention my birthday at the office but somehow they got to know of it.
We have a tradition here to host a lunch or a snack whenever you have a birthday.
I got a way with it last year. I don't think I could do it again this year!1 person likes this
@youless (112123)
• Guangzhou, China
5 May 11
I don't pay much attention to my birthday any more. It is just like an ordinary day for me. Whereas I care about my son's birthday as well as you. And I also act like you. A small celebration will be fine enough. I don't want to hold a big birthday party. It is important to celebrate the birthday with the most important people. Besides, I don't want my son to think that the money goes easy. It is a waste for a big celebration.
I love China
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
10 May 11
We only had a big celebration on his first birthday and that's it.
I'd rather spend the money with something that he likes for his birthday.
And birthdays aren't complete to him without a birthday cake and a candle that he likes to blow. He is already happy with that. He called me on the phone this week and said "I'll turn 6 soon, Mama?". I said 'Yes dear" and he just turned 5 this month. I guess he will be bugging me for the next 12 months.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
4 May 11
My son was born on my my birthday. So, even if I didn't want to make a fuss on my birhtday, there is always some form of celebration at home (because he would always remind me to celebrate 'his' birthday).
So, in a way, I still get to have a cake with candles (and some other food) on my birthday. Even though it is not my name on the cake, I get to blow some candles after he does his.
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
10 May 11
Lucky you Bounce! You get to celebrate even if you don't want to celebrate your birthday. I wish I can celebrate my birthday too with my son. It would be such a savings!
@wiggles18 (2506)
• Canada
4 May 11
Why not just treat everyday as if it is a 'birthday' 'valentines day' etc? That's the way I like to live my life.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
10 May 11
Wouldn't that be expensive?
Just kidding, I know what you mean.
I think each day is a special day.
Not everybody wakes up from their sleep.
That alone is a good reason to be thankful for.
Just kidding, I know what you mean.
I think each day is a special day.
Not everybody wakes up from their sleep.
That alone is a good reason to be thankful for.
@keshia2007r (2880)
• United States
4 May 11
I can imagine your son at that age constantly asking about his birthday, thats so cute. But, I still celebrate my birthday. Nothing like a big party as some people like to do, but something small with family and friends. On the weekend of I pretty much celebrate my birth twice. With family first and friends later on seperate occasions.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
10 May 11
It is a great day to celebrate another year of life. What better way to celebrate it with our family and friends. Not as grand as others do, but we can still celebrate it in our own simple ways.
@Mickie30 (2626)
•
3 May 11
My children are always asking me if their birthday is near and they get very excited when their birthday is nearly ready. It is very important to celebrate your children's birthday when they are young. I buy my daughter gifts all the time and not just for birthday's or Christmas. I even bought my daughter a bicycle when it wasn't her birthday. I usually get things from the charity shops and bought the bike from there for only 5 pounds. It was really nice and was hardly used. My daughter loves her bike very much.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
4 May 11
I really find it amusing when they constantly bug us about their birthdays. They just can't wait for the big day!
It is nice to give our kids special things even if there isn't any special occasion to give it to. I usually buy my kiddo books we read during bedtime.
We bought our son a bike and he was really so happy. Goodness, he even has a blanket to cover his bike at night!
It is nice to give our kids special things even if there isn't any special occasion to give it to. I usually buy my kiddo books we read during bedtime.
We bought our son a bike and he was really so happy. Goodness, he even has a blanket to cover his bike at night!
@tash01 (2030)
• Jamaica
3 May 11
My son excited about his Birthday,lad month on the 21 he celebrated his 5th Birthday.
He was counting the days,and he was telling every one about his Party an inviting them as well.
He was so excited that , when the day arrive he was asking mummy a next is my Birthday?
I keep a party for him,and his friends an family was their to celebrate it with him an he was happy you smile all day.
It was the first party i have kept for him so far far an i hope to do it again.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
3 May 11
Belated happy birthday to your son too!
They really are so excited! My son even circled his birthday on the calendar and he just kept staring at it and then he comes to me and ask if his birthday is not near yet..everyday!
It is not a big party. We just celebrated it ourselves. But even if it was that simple, my son was still very happy specially the part when he'd blow his cake. I remember last time when he did that, I forgot to get the birthday candles. We found some medium size candles, the one we used when we don't have a current. And it was really funny because he has a small cake with a very big candle on top of it. He enjoyed blowing his cake.
It is not a big party. We just celebrated it ourselves. But even if it was that simple, my son was still very happy specially the part when he'd blow his cake. I remember last time when he did that, I forgot to get the birthday candles. We found some medium size candles, the one we used when we don't have a current. And it was really funny because he has a small cake with a very big candle on top of it. He enjoyed blowing his cake.
@watergirl (567)
• Philippines
3 May 11
My son's turning 5 soon. He's been planning for months! I told him we can have a simple birthday party at the park with neighbors and relatives.
I always celebrate birthdays. The celebration can be simple as long as it is shared with family and friends.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
4 May 11
Goodness at a young age they sure know what they want!
My son just turned 5 and he wants his cake with candy flowers on it.
Unfortunately, there were no small cakes available with flowers on it.
I just bought a number candle for him and he was just so happy to blow his birthday candle. It doesn't have to be a lavish party for you to enjoy your birthday. A simple celebration would do which you can share with your family and friends.
My son just turned 5 and he wants his cake with candy flowers on it.
Unfortunately, there were no small cakes available with flowers on it.
I just bought a number candle for him and he was just so happy to blow his birthday candle. It doesn't have to be a lavish party for you to enjoy your birthday. A simple celebration would do which you can share with your family and friends.
@marapplestiffy (2182)
• Philippines
3 May 11
OOh....BIRTHDAYS and most especially MY BIRTHDAY is at the top of my most favorite events list, I guess I've mellowed down a bit in my expectations of what I want to happen or get on my birthday(I'm older, hmmn, being more mature?) but I still get so excited...I doubt it will fade, I guess I am a child in my heart
, hmmn, being more mature?) but I still get so excited...I doubt it will fade, I guess I am a child in my heart@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
10 May 11
Nothing's wrong by being child at heart.
I think it is but fair to be happy at this special day.
We deserve it!
@valleyofberaca (299)
• Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
3 May 11
My son celebrated his 4th birthday last week, and my daughter will turn 1 this week.
We just bring him to jollibee, we decided to celebrate his birthday with her sister this week.
Nowadays it's very expensive when you throw a kids party.
About me, my birthday is the same as my wedding anniversary. We usually spend the whole day to the beach with my family.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
3 May 11
What a coincidence! My wedding anniversary is my husband's birthday too!
Well it saves us the cost of celebrating 2 events in one day!
How is that for being frugal!
Belated happy birthday to your son and advance happy birthday to your daughter! Yes it can be a bit expensive to throw a kids party this days with the prices of commodities just soaring. My son's grandest birthday was on his first birthday party. The next parties are a lot simpler with us usually going on a swimming trip. My son just love the water and what more can make him happier than him celebrating on a pool or a beach. But we just prepared something yesterday, nothing grand. He was already contented with his cake and his new bike.
How is that for being frugal!
Belated happy birthday to your son and advance happy birthday to your daughter! Yes it can be a bit expensive to throw a kids party this days with the prices of commodities just soaring. My son's grandest birthday was on his first birthday party. The next parties are a lot simpler with us usually going on a swimming trip. My son just love the water and what more can make him happier than him celebrating on a pool or a beach. But we just prepared something yesterday, nothing grand. He was already contented with his cake and his new bike.
@tink91879 (742)
• United States
3 May 11
My kids birthdays are always a huge deal. i plan them months in advance. Letting them choose a theme, who to invite, what games, food, cake, etc. I love doing a party for my kids. My husband I always do something special for his birthday too. I feel its definatly something to be celebrated. You made it another year! As far as my own my last birthday nothing was really done and I felt very upset about it. I took it as I wasnt realy worth much. I put so much effort into my kids, husband and others and than mine had no thought put into it. I know not having a huge celebration dosent mean your not worth anything, but really you get one day a year to celebrate you. Shouldnt that be celebrated? So i say do soemthing special, get a pedicure, go shopping, go to dinner, get a cake, dont let it slide by. Its not as exciting as when you were child, but its still your day.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
4 May 11
Don't expect our husbands to pull out a surprise party for us!
I don't know. But I don't feel like celebrating anymore specially now when I am older.
But it is a good day to pamper yourself and just do anything you want. Besides it is your day!
I don't know. But I don't feel like celebrating anymore specially now when I am older.
But it is a good day to pamper yourself and just do anything you want. Besides it is your day!
@rose1717 (190)
• United States
3 May 11
Birthdays are really big holidays in my family, but to me they are just like any other day. We don't have a big party and invite a bunch of people. We don't even have little family parties. I do get a cake for after supper. For our children we have whatever they want for supper and they get a cake for their birthday, a friend over and we buy them a present.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
4 May 11
Times are hard now. Although birthdays come only once in a year, it isn't practical anymore to spend on lavish parties. I think it is best to have a simple celebration with your family or with your close friends.
@wolfwise (100)
• Philippines
3 May 11
Well sometimes I do but it depends on the budget though. I see you celebrated the birthday with a pancit canton dish so I'am guessing your a filipino or chinese. :-) Anyways I'am a filipino and I think when your kid is still very young you should celebrate it even though it isn't as grand as the first one especially during the pre-school years because I think that is when many of a child's memory start. And having great and happy memories early in life contribute to the child emotional growth. So there you go I hope this helps :-)
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
4 May 11
Thanks wolfwise and welcome to Mylot!
Yes, I am Filipino too! Here in our country birthday foods aren't complete without pancit or spaghetti. We have the belief that it will give long life to the celebrant. I am not very superstitious but I really like to eat pancit.
The developmental years of a child are critical I agree. So as parents we should be able to support them and bring out the best in them. Sadly, it is summer break and he can't celebrate his birthday like his classmates does in school. So usually we just celebrate on our own with an outing in a pool or on a beach which he really likes to do.
The developmental years of a child are critical I agree. So as parents we should be able to support them and bring out the best in them. Sadly, it is summer break and he can't celebrate his birthday like his classmates does in school. So usually we just celebrate on our own with an outing in a pool or on a beach which he really likes to do.
@GardenGerty (157652)
• United States
3 May 11
My birthdays are pretty much the same as any others for me, I have had so many. I keep reminding people that I celebrate a lot of other things. I am sorry you lost your souvenir pictures. There may be some way to retrieve them, even though they are deleted.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
3 May 11
Hi GG! I don't think it is retrievable. Nobody took any pictures other than us.
There's nothing I can show my son when he is already grown up.
Oh well! There will be more birthdays he would celebrate. Unfortunately, one only pass by his first birthday in this lifetime.
@swanny686 (150)
• United States
3 May 11
I celebrate it with my family and girlfriend but other than that I don't tell people that it is my birthday. I don't usually make a big deal out of other peoples birthday either other than wishing a happy birthday, unless they are really close to me
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
4 May 11
I don't tell mine either. But somehow my office mates figured it out and there is a tradition in our team to share your blessings. We usually have a lunch out or buy pizzas for snacks.
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
3 May 11
Not as festive as I did when I was younger but certainly do like to have it remembered. Dinner, flowers and a couple cocktails usually does it for me. I think as we get older we are kind of not in a rush to grow older as opposed to when we were younger we were anxious for the big day.
Happy belated birthday to your son!
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
3 May 11
Thanks HWG!
Funny but when we were young, it seems we can't wait to grow old and we are just so excited for our next birthday. And now that were older, we wish that time would just be a little bit slower and we dread the day when we are kicked out of the calendar.
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
3 May 11
No matter what, i do celebrate birthdays. I really make it a point to be remembered , so i would buy or cook (if it's a weekend) pancit. Then, my in-laws would buy something sweet that will go well with the pancit. We usually celebrate it at dinner, where everybody is present after a day's work.
As for my birthday, i would take an undertime (if it's an office day), and attend a mass first thing in the morning.
1 person likes this
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
3 May 11
I think we should always be thankful to God for giving us another birthday, another year to be with our loved ones. Not everyone are lucky to reach their next birthdays. It is a nice day to be with our family.
@hypocrite_hater (72)
• Canada
3 May 11
Childhood is also called the wonder years because during this phase in our lives, many things are still a mystery to us and there are many things to discover. Life as a child is full of excitement and free from the cares of the world. But as we reach adulthood and problems begin encroaching upon our minds, we don't see the world as magically as before. We see life as it really is, troublesome and full of cares that is why we lost our penchant for birthdays, Christmas and other occasions to some degree.
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
3 May 11
Nice point you got there!
Yeah I remember my childhood too and my activities at that time revolve on playing, eating and sleeping. It's different when you are already adult and you have to face reality. But sometimes it is also good to wake up the child in us and just enjoy life.
