Bringing Back Birthdays: Why We Stopped Celebrating & How to Reclaim the Ritual
Celebration is One of the Most Underrated Forms of Necessity. Without It, We Lose Community.
There is so much in this world that deserves to be celebrated. Including ourselves. Seeing the decline in personal celebrations, including birthdays, promotions, achievements, etc. is absolutely devastating. Since the start of the 21st century, birthday celebrations are not as highly valued as they used to be. People are starting to move away from the big celebrations, and more into the comfort of solitude. This might be the perfect celebration for some, but most of us crave the environment of love and gathering from the people we are closest to.
Birthday Celebrations Are Dwindling, But the Truth Is– They Still Matter.
The Decline in Birthday Celebrations is Prevalent for a Reason.
We look at a variety of causes for this problem. The first, and probably the most obvious that came to mind, was the idea that everybody is so busy now. Being able to say “I’m sorry, I’m too busy” feels as if it is something of a flex. Not being able to fit in anything to your schedule tells the other person that you have too much going on. Being “too busy” is absolutely a valid excuse, as long as it comes with the understanding that if you are not showing up for someone, you cannot expect them to show up for you.
The Influence of Social Media
Some feel as if you can replace attending a party with a simple “Happy Birthday!” text. Digital communication and social media has killed the way we approach social situations. People, especially Generation Z and younger, feel a sense of social anxiety when leaving their home to socialize. We are so used to sitting behind a screen, where your confidence lies in the tip of your fingers. Having to get out and converse with people you do not know is one of the driving factors in less celebrations. Obviously this is not only an issue with birthday celebrations, but so many people are replacing their presence with a simple text for any occasion.
In such a fast paced, scary world, it is crucial we find reasons to feel joyous and special. Performing celebrations truly is of the utmost importance for humans. We NEED a sense of community, we NEED a sense of safety, and most importantly, we NEED to feel as if we are being celebrated by the ones around us. Without these crucial keys in our community, we have truly nothing to cherish. It is important for us to see other people showing up for us, especially when we do not ask it of them.
To Have A Community Means To Be Uncomfortable Sometimes.
Community, comfort, and love are at the forefront of what it means to be a human. We stray away from these ideas for so many reasons. Maybe we don’t think we need celebration. Or maybe we just simply don’t have time for it. No matter the reason, it is absolutely dire that every single person sees the importance in these acts. Celebrating is not just for you, for me, but truly for everyone.
16th Nov. 2025
Elizabeth Cox
