Birthdays are celebrated by many people around the world as they grow up. For those who celebrate, birthdays create memories that may last a lifetime and stir up emotions.
Junior Sarah Brady sees her birthday as a growing step in her life. During her childhood, Brady hosted large parties to celebrate her birthday. For the past few years however, she prefers celebrating with a smaller group of friends. Smaller and more personal celebrations, Brady finds, are easier to reflect on her past year of life.
“I would be perfectly happy if I could celebrate it with just my circle of close friends and family. For the past three years I’ve had trips and outings as parties,” Brady said. “I think those are so much more memorable, and I want to remember some of my birthdays in my teenage years because they’re milestones, like my 16th and 18th birthdays.”
English teacher Hanna Anderson opposes the idea of birthdays as a “milestone.” Anderson advocates against the pressure to accomplish life goals or dreams by a certain age.
“I think other people think of birthdays as like a milestone, but I don’t feel that way about it,” Anderson said. “I just don’t feel that birthdays should be treated like a mark in time because then they’re more seen as barriers than something to be celebrated about.”
As one grows older, the love for events such as birthdays can slowly start to fade. For junior Byron Pham, celebrating his birthday has become less exciting throughout the years.
“It has gotten smaller. I used to have larger parties with some of my friends, but I’ve learned that I do not like socializing too much and I get burnt out pretty fast,” Pham said.
There are multiple factors as to why birthdays become less and less exciting. Brady believes the reason is the fear of growing up and gaining more responsibility and stress.
“I feel like there’s a certain point in everyone’s youth where they stop wholeheartedly enjoying their birthdays, and it becomes somewhat bittersweet instead,” Brady said. “The gain of a year on a person’s life also means they are getting further away from their youth.”
While many believe that celebrating birthdays creates a happy childhood, Pham thinks birthdays do not necessarily make one’s life better or happier. They do, however, play a great role in making memories, especially for children at such a young age.
“It’s more of an emotional thing because it doesn’t really get you anywhere, but the experiences and just the happiness that comes from it can push you further,” Pham said.
Many may dislike their birthdays for various reasons, according to Brady. She finds that growing up can be both stressful and exciting. Additionally, she believes birthdays can be emotional and good opportunities for reflection.
“I definitely have a good cry every year on my birthday. Growing up is terrifying, sad and great at the same time,” Brady said.