My Birthday Traditions

Some people celebrate only milestone birthdays. I consider any birthday a milestone. Some people hesitate to celebrate their birthdays when they are older. On the other hand, I celebrate even more in my later years.

READ 12 Reasons I Celebrate Every Birthday

Days Before My Birthday

I give a lot of thought before my birthday. I often think of creative things to do. Usually, what I do involves others. I make them a part of my celebration. In 2025, when I turned 80. I had an online contest with prizes of $7.23, $19.45, which represent my date of birth.

In 2024, I wrote legacy letters to family members, friends, former friends, teachers, co-workers, neighbors, and various other groups.

This year in 2026, I sent all my subscribers and social media followers a birthday card acknowledging their support over the years.

On My Birthday

I do things on days before my birthday and days shortly thereafter. However, on the actual day, I stay home and respond to all calls and social media posts. I do not lump all of them together and thank the people in one statement. I literally respond to thousands of posts individually from people all over the world who have supported my ministry over 30 years.

Days After My Birthday

I accept invitations to eat out on days after my birthday. Usually, there are 3 to 5 restaurants of my choice. Last year, I went to five of my favorite restaurants, including Italian, Chinese, Mexican, seafood, soul food, and those that specialize in delicious meals.

1. Olive Garden

2. Zheng Garden Chinese Restaurant

3. Casa del Barco

4. Latitude Seafood

5. Extra Billy's Smokehouse

This year, I have invitations to two of my favorite restaurants again: Latitude Seafood and Zheng Garden Chinese Restaurant. The new ones on the list are Southern Kitchen, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Cafe, and Gelati Celesti Ice Cream.

After my birthday, I feel renewed, revived, refreshed, and excited about starting a new year. I look the same on the outside, but I feel differently within.

The Bible and Birthdays

The Bible does not directly command or forbid people from celebrating birthdays. Instead, it frames the observance as a matter of personal choice and conviction. Because God is concerned with how we live our lives, any celebration should be approached with gratitude and an attitude that honors Him.

Because Scripture is silent on the modern practice, theologians generally agree that God leaves this decision up to a believer's individual conscience and intentions.

The primary framework for this freedom comes from Romans 14:5–6, which states that anyone who regards one day as special does so to honor the Lord.

While there is no explicit mandate, several strong biblical principles support celebrating birthdays as a godly practice.

1. Expressing Gratitude for the Gift of Life

• God as the Sustainer: Life is a gift from the Creator. Celebrating a birthday acknowledges God's hand in making you and keeping you alive for another year.

• Numbering Our Days: Psalm 90:12 asks God to "teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." A birthday provides a natural annual pause to reflect on life and realign with God's purpose.

• Rejoicing in Creation: Psalm 118:24 says, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Birthdays are a direct reflection of rejoicing in the specific day God brought a person into the world.

2. Showing Love and Appreciation for Others

• Honoring Neighbors: The Bible commands believers to love and honor one another. Celebrating someone's birthday is a tangible way to uplift them and tell them their existence matters.

• Affirming God's Design: Scripture states we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14). Gathering friends and family to express love reflects the unconditional love Christ has for His people.

3. Biblical Precedents for Celebrating Births

• Joyous Arrivals: The Bible shows that the arrival of a child is a cause for great communal joy. Luke 1:14 notes that many would "rejoice at the birth" of John the Baptist.

• Heavenly Celebrations: When Jesus was born, angels and shepherds openly rejoiced and celebrated the physical entry of Christ into the world.

4. The Biblical Principle of Reminders

• Anniversary of Grace: A birthday functions as an anniversary of God's grace, acting as a personal reminder of His protection and presence over the past year.

For those who choose to celebrate, the golden rule is found in 1 Corinthians 10:31: "Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." As long as the celebration centers on gratitude, avoids excessive vanity, and steers clear of wild revelry, it is a healthy, faith-affirming practice to celebrate birthdays.