I've always been big on birthdays, I plan and inform friends and family so that there are no excuses for forgetting to wish me a happy birthday or not attending whatever event I organise. Call me shameless but why keep schtum if it's going to mean having to spend the most important day of the year angry with everyone for having either forgotten your birthday or made plans that clash with your big night out!
Besides what's the big idea of not wanting to celebrate because you're getting older, as though sitting at home and sulking will stop time. Whether you like it or not, you will turn 30 and then 40 and so on, so why not cram as much fun and living into those years as possible so that you don't end up regretting them?
My recipe for a good birthday includes atleast 3 days of activities, one with the family, one with friends and one with just yourself. If there's someone special in your life this could extend to 4 days or you could simply allocate a night for your better half. You should spend some of the time being thankful for your life, what you've achieved and those who love you but also reflecting on what you want to do with the future that lies ahead of you.
When it comes to presents - don't ask for vouchers or money, let people who know you choose something that's personal. I always enjoy getting presents that I would not ordinarily choose for myself but nonetheless reflect me and my personality. There are times that loved ones will miss the mark and get you something that you may not like but I still think its important to look at each gift for what it is - an expression of someone's appreciation of You. So what if the earrings are a bit bigger than you would like, keep them in your jewellery box and you may end up wearing them when the 80s make a second comeback.
Celebrating your birthday is like taking part in life - sometimes we seem to sit on the fence, refusing to subscribe to this festival or that trend, but what are we really gaining? So what if you're above Valentine's day - how often does someone offer you a bunch of flowers throughout the year? And yes Christmas has become commercialised and turkey isn't the nicest of meats - but when was the last time you and your entire family spent the day together? In a similar vein birthdays are about participating - take part in the celebration of you. If you're not happy with your age, just don't tell anyone but let your hair down, eat good food and pamper yourself, simply because it's a day that is all about You!
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