Happy birthday from a fellow Canadian. Since everyone should smile on their birthday, here is a Canadian joke for you.
Canada had the opportunity to have American know how, British politics and French cooking.
Instead it got American cooking, British know how, and French politics!
And here is an American joke that is particularly appropriate given where you're from.
Many years ago two Americans were riding a train across Canada. It stopped at a station, and one asked the other to lean out the window and as where they were. He did, and got the answer, "Saskatoon, Saskatchewan". He leaned back in and said, "How cute. They don't speak English!"
…which clearly explains the results of the aforementioned fresnel workout (http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=921930): McConaughey's chest with Puff Daddy's inflated ego.
I'm not sure who is correct but Wikipedia lists the anniversary on November 10th (in a couple of places) - I wonder if Google is a little bit ahead on this one.
I think I've just earned a FAIL badge.. I had no idea who Trevor was. Oops. This error has been corrected by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trevor_Blackwell - Happy birthday Trev ;-)
Celebration of continued existence; an opportunity to reflect on one's own personal growth and achievements in the past year. Secondly, it's a unique opportunity for each of us to be recognized individually. New Years' provides reflection time too, but it isn't individualized.
Consider it a catalyst for change, even if only in mindset.
That said, birthdays are also unique: If you don't tell anyone about it, you could just as well ignore it yourself. You won't see reminders about your birthday in the local store, as you do for halloween, Christmas, etc.
In that sense, if one doesn't want to celebrate their birthday, they don't have to. It's an optional holiday.
http://ycombinator.com/images/fresnelworkout.jpg
Instant results. Makes your head big though.