Birthdays

Balloons from my mother and her husband on my birthday. December 16, 2013.

I love birthdays.

Birthdays shouldn’t trigger thoughts about ages and numbers of years. Instead, they should give occasion to focus on the past twelve months, the year upcoming, and the amazement of our presence in a wondrous world.

Age is mostly mindset.

Unlike other holidays, which may focus on family and friends, religious celebrations, costumes and decorations, and gift exchanges, birthday people own their birthdays. On the date of your birth, you should do whatever you want however you choose—and anyone who wants to spent time with you on your holiday must go along with the game plan. They have no say.

For recent birthdays, I’ve spent the day getting pampered at a spa, followed by a small family dinner of decadent foods that I try not to eat often (pizza, hot wings, cheese plates, cakes and cookies, Indian food). Occasionally, I’ve incorporated a few board games. (I love board games. Why do people play them so rarely?)

I’m not a muss-and-fuss type. I prefer quality time and relaxing with great people over large parties and elaborate presentations. Spa days and game nights have high appeal.

On your birthday, we’ll hit Vegas, if you’d like. After all, your birthday is your day to call the shots. On mine, get ready to eat pizza and indulge me with a round of Apples to Apples.

What’s your birthday philosophy?