"Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you," etc.

When I was young birthdays were not a very big deal. It wasn't until maybe the forties and fifties that the celebrations of them really got into gear. This may (or may not) have been related to Hallmark & all of that, not sure. But there was a shift beyond a point where you were more or less obligated to be happy about birthdays, including yours. Now, to take it back, it seems to me that what should be celebrated is the day that one was conceived, not the day one was birthed (?). But that date is much harder to nail down, yes? No birth certificate is to be issued for that one.

To many people my views on this will appear contentious, perhaps anti-social (heaven forbid). Talking to an acquaintence several years ago he said: "No big deal, man, the birthday thing is definetely financial, presents, cards, the whole nine yards," which is a simplification for sure, but seems to have some truth to it (Hallmark mentioned above, people defintely have a feeling of guilt if they fail to remember and send in time a card to deal with all of this.) But presents are another thing, and this dials in young and younger. My son's children seem to have a steady social calendar of birthday parties, the question is how many can be celebrated, and perhaps afforded? To this cynical, old codger it seems that for certain social classes this may be a line item.

Now, to the point. Several years ago when I began "farming" in a community in Wisconsin one of the farmers said that if you made it to 80 you deserved a party, and could expect one. So when this self same man reached the age he was roasted and toasted in a local bar, his son was the M.C., it was a terrific event. Well, later on his younger brother (Lester had passed on by this time) came of age and a roaring party was given for him, at the same place. Now, on the cusp of 80 I am qualified and am in the process of having a party in June. I have some serious question about this but will go ahead with the idea that I am actually celebrating those who come, and will toast them for having stayed with me, bless their hearts