It's my birthday, another one of those holidays corrupted by consumerism.

So, many years ago, today I was born. And that means I'm supposed to get trinkets, presents and such for it? I'd rather enjoy the comradery of friends. The obligation of gift-giving puts a lot of pressure on people. The best gift a person can have is the company of friends and family. But the consumerist industry has corrupted it.

Like Christmas, it doesn't make much sense, and has been twisted to be about the monetary value of gifts, rather than the sentiment. For Christmas, we hack up a tree, and keep it in our house, covered in lights. Then, we're all supposed to exchange presents.

Now... I've read the bible... Why are we supposed to put a tree up for Jesus? Why eggs for easter? Why not nail a man to a cross ceremonially in the center of a house?

Why a birthday cake, and not a birthday pie, or fish, or ham? Why a desert?

Really, today I stand on a planet orbiting a star, and it's been doing that for untold ages.

It's really quite impressive, Earth. Probably my favorite planet, if I had to pick one. My experience on it has been decent. I dislike the emphasis on personal greed and materialism our culture puts on the inhabitants of my region of Earth.

I am one year older. That's one year closer to my atoms returning to the soil, and finding out where I stand in the scheme of things, if I am merely atoms, or if there's something more to it than that.
But, it is not that bleak. I am a year closer to maturity. Wouldn't change it if I could.

Today is a good day to be alive. But there's no need for materialism on one's birthday. Food, drink, and the company of friends, that's what matters. It's not about things like the latest video game console, only affordable by the elite of course. It isn't about things like that lousy copywrited birthday song.

It's about celebrating the fact that you're here. It's about friends and family, and good times.

I know I don't come from a wealthy family, but I'm rich in a lot of ways. I have friends I can trust, I'm going to community college, my family loves me.

That's what it's about, I think. It's about existing, and keeping everything in perspective.

1 out of 365 of you folks will have the same birthday as myself. The rest of you folks, it's just Wednesday. Sort of odd when you think about it.

For all the birthday folks, and the not birthday folks, enjoy who you're with, and count your blessings while you have them. Don't take things for granted, or compromise on you who you are.

Good day, and good luck.

Happy Birthday....I did not show consumerism in wishing you a happy birthday. Now where is the cake I expect a homemade cake at the party and since we have to eat anyway, a cheap cake decorated by the kids is not supporting consumerism.

And I was to make a thread about MY birthday, that is also today...

We are so cool, special and good looking, tho.

Happy Birthday!

EDIT: I just realized... Our birthday is a Holiday? lol Cool!

reply to post by Grifter42


Happy Birthday to you! Mine is tomorrow, but I am too old for people to think about giving me trinkets for it. It has been a long time since somebody remembered my birthday in that way. Well, maybe my wife, she did give me a new winter coat this year. But I got that last week since she figured I'd like to have it for the cold weather we were about to have.

Happy birthday to you also NowanKenubi!

reply to post by wtbengineer


Thank you!

I wish you the same in advance. I hope it also warms you for future cold moments... lol

And have a really nice day! Thanks again.

Every year I tell my friends to not get me anything, hold on to the money, get the next day off work, because we're spending that money on a night out.

Happy Birthday, Grifter! Mine was yesterday. I got hugs, good wishes, tons of compliments about not looking my *considerable* age, emails from friends near and far away, sweet kisses from my boyfriend and snuffly ones from my dog. The celebration was complete in every way. The good thing about having a birthday this time of year is that many people -- who refuse to give in to the consumerism aspect of holidays -- are already ensconced in a warm holiday spirit. 'Sending you all the happy thoughts and wishes for the coming year!

- Grace

reply to post by Grifter42


Personally, I hate it when my birthday rolls around and my wife tried to make a big deal out of it.

I think celebrating the calendar day you were born smacks of pride too much. Like someone is just so great they need to take a day and celebrate themselves lol.

Now... I've read the bible... Why are we supposed to put a tree up for Jesus? Why eggs for easter? Why not nail a man to a cross ceremonially in the center of a house?

Because those holidays were adopted by the Christians from the pagans. They have no idea what time of year Jesus was born, they just celebrate it at Christmas. The Rabbit and the egg symbolize life at easter. Christmas used to be more like New Years, you had to party it up before the new year started and Christmas time was usually full of drunken revelry. The germans were the first to decorate christmas trees with trinkets and candles and the rest of the world just kinda ran with it also. It is frequently traced to the symbolism of evergreen trees in pre-Christian winter rites, in particular through the story of Donar's Oak (though the oak tree is obviously not an evergreen) and the popularized story of Saint Boniface and the conversion of the German pagans.

Oh, and happy birthday, congratulations on being one year closer to the graveyard.

youtu.be... via @youtube

Welcome to the world! You were born naked, and by your mother, you were clothed. You were born hungry, and for a time, by your mother, then your father, you are fed. You are born without, and others celebrate your arrival with gifts to please and welcome you, to make you feel welcomed, wanted, loved.

Don't allow commercialism to destroy that celebration of life. It is what you make it. When you were young, it was what they, and others made it. For a time, it was a celebration of you and your mother, then you grew, and it became more about you, your singularity as an individual. Each year marked mikestones in growth, maturity, growing up, and growing away. Each person is a gift of life and love to a family, and to be celebrated. Why not?

Back, a long time ago, a child that survived was a reason to celebrate. Just because we take it for granted now, does not make each life that survives pregnancy, the rigors and trials of birth, and the trials of childhood illnesses that used to take many lives, any less special.

Marketing and consumerism is just a way to take advantage, but again, it is what YOU make it. You want a birthday ham? Make it so! A birthday pie? Make your wish, and see if it comes true! It is, afterall, your special day, so ask away!

And Happy Birthday, welcome into this world, where you are no longer naked, but clothed, no longer hungry, but fed, and not wanting for warm clothes, or little trinkets that make you feel a part of the rest of us.

I hope that your wishes and deepest desires come true!

i have had birthdays pass and not even notice the date means nothing to me but i notice a lot of people who have birthdays near xmas get hit with the line here is your birthday and xmas gift so hit them back with that line in july or whenever .

i am now 25 years free from celebrating xmas or birthdays i just keep well out of the way

reply to post by geobro


will let you know when its my birthday lol

As I see it, you come into this world with nothing and you leave this world with nothing. You've got to enjoy what's in between because no one knows what's beyond. Have fun not just on your birthday, but everyday and make the most of your time here on Earth.

My birthday is 12/24. So I was the kid who was told to go pick my gift out from under the Christmas tree. I always went for the littlest one...usually socks. So, when I got older I threw my own parties and demanded gifts, (god forbid, if you were my boyfriend), that was kinda fun. If I didn't get a good enough gift, you didn't get to come back the next year. Bring big bling and you were on my "forever" list. My birthdays in my 20s would be the equivalent of a major football games meet rock concert meet all the beer or wine you can drink. The local bars hated it when I had my birthday. Now older, I realize you have to either dust it or hock it later to make ends meet. Thank goodness I finally grew up. It really is the people that makes your life a good one. The more good people, the better the life. I enjoy just meeting them at a bar for a drink and a dance or at a cheap pizza place where everyone's kids can leave a mess. No gifts needed now....just a big hug or a smile.

xD have you watched/listened to Dethklok? "Many years ago today something grew inside of your mother, that thing was YOU!"
Lyrics, at your perusal

Well written rant, btw. I feel just the same. I'm like the 'scrooge' of the family when it comes to these things xD

Friends, family, maybe a few (too many) drinks - no hang-ups, just good times

and happy birthday!! Enjoy your next revolution around the sun on this hurtling rock in space, a pretty cool place to be, for sure! Rock on