I think it’s like other holidays- for kids. I only pay them any attention because it’s easier than dealing with the BS if I ignore then. Smile and nod.

I have personally hated celebrating my birthday since my early 30s, three decades ago. But my wife and others enjoy it, so for a long time, they had their way. My son especially loves it, now that he is an adult, he is very kind and gets me elaborate gifts and such. The last large party was when I turned 50, and even though I could have done without it, I wasn't going to shit on family and friends who genuinely wanted to celebrate, and needless to say, I was still touched by their kindness. But in recent years, my wife let me have my way, the only thing she does nowadays is wish me a happy birthday and that's it, no gifts, no party. But my son will still convince me and his mother to go to a nice restaurant under the pretense that he just wants to eat someplace nice with us. But certain holidays I do enjoy with family and friends, especially Christmas.

The military beat that out of me. Holidays birthdays etc.

But I just turned 55 and my wife takes us out for dinner on our birthday, no big party just dinner.

Tomminator turned 16 in January and in the past we’ve had parties for him, 2 y ago we did a big party at a local go cart/bowling/arcade place for him. this year he just wanted dinner.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve in PA:
Now next year (2026), I may celebrate my birthday as I'll be 65.....and retiring from my LE job after 27 years!!!

Yes, now that deserves one hell of a celebration! I got 10.5 years left until retirement.

quote:

Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:
Today is my 78th birthday.

Well happy birthday to you too!

Just another day for me. No need for a special event to remind me how ancient I am!

I don't care that much, but don't mind a little attention. Maybe a nice dinner.

My wife always wants to make a big deal over every such occasion.

Celebrate? Hah! Most years we don't even acknowledge it until a couple of days (or weeks) later. Same goes for Mrs. PHPaul.

Kids - usually. Grandkids, yup. Great-grands? Absolutely.

Mine's tomorrow, we usually just go out to dinner plus take advantage of those birthday discounts like Benihana.

Beyond cooking (or going out for) a good ribeye, not really since I flew the nest 45 years ago. I never married so it's just me and the dog. There are no steakhouses in the little town I retired to a couple years back, but there are a couple I've been meaning to try out over in Boise. My birthday is a few months away yet, but maybe then.

I do because if I don't who will?
I take the week off (2 shifts will give me a week) and do pretty much what I want. Some extra fishing, shooting. Drink a little extra rum, smoke an extra cigar or 2. Maybe go on a short trip.

I may do Ft Jefferson this year.

Happy birthday we share the same day and sentiments on birthdays as well.

Neither my wife nor I care to celebrate birthdays, it’s just another day. We go out to eat on our anniversary but that is it. Usually for our birthday we will pick up some food from someplace and eat at home and that is the extent of it.

I grew up poor so I used to look forward to birthdays and holidays since I would usually get some kind of gift and would normally eat better than usual on that day. It was a day to look forward to in order to get things out of the ordinary.

I have lived long enough that I have everything I need, much that I do not need and some things that nobody really needs but are nice toys to play with.

I find more value now in good health and the ability to walk without back pain than any tangible gift. When you experience health issues (yourself or others) it helps you to appreciate what we usually take for granted.

quote:

Originally posted by mrvmax:
I grew up poor so I used to look forward to birthdays and holidays since I would usually get some kind of gift and would normally eat better than usual on that day.

Opposite here. While my family wasn't poor, we were struggling financially. The last time I remember having a b'day party, I think I was eight. After that my parents told me birthday parties & presents were a waste of money. Besides that, they didn't make a big deal about their children's birthdays in other ways either, i.e., low key celebrating or otherwise.

Given my personal history, it should come as no surprise that I pay no attention to my b'day at all. It's to the point that I dislike & avoid telling others my birthdate, so as to avoid any "happy birthday" well-wishes.

I do not begrudge nor envy others who choose to celebrate their birthdays; however, I do tend to agree w/ others here who remarked that making a production & event out of one's b'day is a bit childish.

I'm glad to be able to memorialize mine in relatively good health, but way past when it's any reason for a celebration.

Happy birthday Mike

Summer birthday here. I use it as an excuse to take some time off from work and go golfing. My celebration starts and ends with a top shelf scotch/bourbon and a cigar on my deck.

Is drinking alone in my basement.. celebrating ?

Sixteen years ago my twin Grandkids were born on the day after my birthday. I never wanted anyone to make a fuss about my birthday anyway, and that put an end to any thought of fussing.

On the upside, my Wife will buy me anything I want for my birthday, if I can think of anything. I've had so many birthdays that I don't want for anything.

Another day here is always good.

quote:

Does Anyone Still Celebrate Their OWN Birthday?

It's about other people celebrating your BD, not about you celebrating your own BD. Celebrating one's own BD is dumb, afaic.