On birthdays and un-birthdays

Perhaps the Mad hatter said it best in "Alice In Wonderland," when he explained to Alice the reason for celebrating one's 'un-birthday.'  I believe it goes something like this:
           "There are 364 days of the year that aren't your birthday.  Those are un-birthdays."
The way I see it, MY birthday is the day to celebrate MY arrival into this mad, mad world.  MY un-birthday is an open invitation to everyone to celebrate getting through another day in this mad, mad world.  So....what's the difference between the two?

BIRTHDAYs require presents.  Don't be that person who insists on 'no gifts, please.'  It's your birthday, that one special day to honor YOU, and that day should be acknowledged!  Acknowledged with birthday greetings and celebratory hugs and presents!  The presents don't have to be expensive or spectacular (admit it, though, they'd still be acceptable if they were expensive and spectacular!).  They should be thoughtful. 

BIRTHDAY parties are nice, though not required.  A party could be an impromptu gathering of a few friends, or a huge blow-out celebration.  Sometimes the party style is dictated by the age one is celebrating -  a 21st birthday calls for a certain type of soiree, while a 37th birthday calls to mind nothing as specific.  Any birthday ending in five or zero (and that all-important 21st birthday) feel more significant to me. 

BIRTHDAYs are a signal of a new beginning, much like your own personal New Years Day.  It's your day to reflect on the year that just passed, and a time to plan for the new year ahead.  No matter what age you are about to celebrate, every birthday matters. 

UN-birthdays are all those days in between birthdays that need a little recognition.  UN-birthdays are your reason to celebrate the joy of NOW!  UN-birthdays don't require gifts, but the occasional unexpected gift is always nice to receive!  UN-birthdays don't require a party, but lunch with a few friends can turn ito a party, so don't overthink it! 

UN-birthdays only require you to celebrate something!  Even if it's just paying homage to making it through another day without anything bad happening!  Celebrate Tuesday!  Celebrate the rain!  Celebrate friends! 

Here's to birthdays!  And here's to un-birthdays!  Eat!  Drink!  And find some reason to celebrate today!