Do I Look a Year Older?

Well, ladies and gentlemen, do I? Yesterday was my birthday, and I can no longer call myself a woman of my mid-20s, but now a woman of my mid-to-late 20's. Oh, how the time flies by... Makes me wonder what I've done with myself!

I have to say, I love my birthday. I love all birthdays, really. When I was growing up, we made birthdays a big deal around our house. My mother had (what do I mean had... She still has it and still puts it up on our birthdays!) this banner that said "Happy Birthday!" It was blue and kind of orchid purple, and it was very 1960's style... But every year, I remember coming down the stairs and seeing that banner stretched across the ceiling by the dining room, over our presents. Even now when I see it, I have that giddy, childish excitement that I had when I was little.

I'm a big fan of holiday/birthday/special event traditions... I'd love to hear from you guys... What are some of your favorite birthday traditions? Something that makes those special days really something to remember?