Celebrating Birthdays

November is a month that can elicit mixed emotions. It begins with the end of daylight savings time, and night falling before most Americans leave work. Veterans Day falls a week or so later, a time of solemnity and remembrance when we honor those who have served our country. And then Thanksgiving comes, later in the month, signaling the official start of the holiday season and gatherings with family and friends.

For us at Language of Friendship, November is ‘birthday season.’ My son John, Frannie, Sara’s dog Winnie, Sara and I all celebrate birthdays within a few days of one another. We’ve come to recognize that celebrating birthdays is a cherished tradition that holds deep emotional, social, and psychological importance in our lives. For the past few Novembers, Sara and I have taken the opportunity to remind our readers of the importance of acknowledging birthdays.  

They say it’s your birthday – we’re gonna have a good time!

The Beatles

Birthday celebrations bring people together. They remind us of the important relationships in our lives and the support systems we can rely on. They offer a reason to reconnect with loved ones with texts, phone calls, and cake-filled gatherings. These celebrations foster a sense of community and belonging, reinforcing the bonds between family, friends, and even colleagues. And it’s good for us, as noted in a March, 2028 article in Medium: “This social support is essential for mental health, as it reinforces feelings of love, acceptance, and appreciation.”

When my birthday fell on a Friday this year, I decided to take the day off work. Sara was in town with her daughter, and my sister Monica and her husband flew in for the weekend as well. Sara and I have managed to spend many birthdays together over the years, so having Sara, her two adult children, and a few other family members and friends join me for a small celebration at my home Friday evening helped make the day particularly meaningful.

As my sister and I prepared to host the gathering at my home that evening, I couldn’t keep from checking my work email to see the many birthday greetings from colleagues around the globe. Thanks to our global marketing team’s birthday survey tradition I wrote about last year, dozens of co-workers reached out to help mark my special day. When I returned to work on Monday, sitting in the middle of my desk was the little box pictured above. It was a reminder of how lucky I am, not just to be part of a company where I do meaningful work, but where I’ve connected with many new people who I now consider friends.

Being the center of attention on our special day can significantly boost our self-esteem and overall happiness. The love and good wishes we receive from others can enhance our sense of self-worth and contribute to a positive outlook on life. At Language of Friendship, we believe that birthdays are not just another day on the calendar; they are milestones that deserve to be celebrated! 🎉

Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.

John Lennon