Let's reclaim birthdays from Facebook!

Hello my dears,

My birthday was last week, and, to be honest, I was kind of dreading it.  

I’m an extrovert and have traditionally and unapologetically enjoyed big birthday parties and celebrations.  

Yet, when my sweetie asked if I wanted a ZOOM birthday party the answer was a resounding NO.  

What I wanted was to feel seen, loved and supported.  So, he gathered up email addresses from all of my favorite people and asked them to send me cards and notes to read on my birthday.  

My friends, let me tell you, waking up on Friday morning to those beautiful cards, letters and works of art brought me SO much joy.  It was one of the best birthdays I have ever had.  In the time of COVID, even!  

It got me thinking about how much birthday celebrations have changed since Facebook arrived on the scene. ⁠
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I have been as guilty as anyone of forgoing intentional celebrations of my loved ones and just writing "happy birthday" in a Facebook feed. ⁠

This is a birthday bypass.⁠
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Like so many of our rituals and rites of passage, Facebook has colonized birthdays.  

Back in the day, (I know... #okgenxer!) birthdays meant receiving personalized cards and phone calls, things that took thoughtfulness and effort. ⁠You had to plan ahead and reflect on your love and appreciation for friends and family and you needed to know their mailing address. ⁠ 
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How exciting is it that we can reclaim birthdays from Facebook and support the US Postal System all at the same time?!  Here’s what I’m going to do from here on out:

• Take the time to put my loved ones' birthdays in my calendar with a reminder 5 days out

• Order a stack of fun birthday cards to have on hand

• Spend some time reflecting on the gifts my people bring to my life and my gratitude for them while I write in their card

Okay, off to write some thank you notes (anther ritual I miss, but that’s a topic for another day…)!

Much Love,
Christina

P.S. If you’ve read this far, thank you! I invite you to join my mailing list for occasional musings and updates on retreats and events. I won't spam you, or share your data. Let's start supporting small businesses on platforms they own!