At What Age Is a Birthday Party No Longer Acceptable?

Today, I turn 27 years old. In previous years, I’ve gone above and beyond to celebrate my big day. When I turned 10, I had a birthday luau at Pizza Hut. For my 16th, I had a pool party with my classmates. For my 21st, I rented a party bus and went clubbing all night long, adorned in a “birthday girl” sash.

Now that I’m 27, a party bus doesn’t seem all that fitting. Have I reached the age where a birthday party is no longer acceptable?

As a kid, birthdays are the most important day of the year. You surround yourself with friends and family who all have a present wrapped and waiting for you. As you get older, the celebration continues without the mention of the age you are turning. Then, eventually, the celebration fades and it’s just another day.

When is throwing a birthday party no longer acceptable? I would say 25.

After 25, you are no longer new to the 20s and have been a member of adulthood for quite some time. You work a lot and most of your friends are working too, so to ask them to make time for your birthday seems selfish. After 25, you may be getting ready to settle down and start a family, while other people have already started theirs. Are you really going to ask your friends to get a babysitter so you can eat cake and drink champagne socially?

As you get older, birthday parties go from the highlight of your year to a day you could do without. Today, on my 27th birthday, I am grateful for the wonderful people in my life and where my future is headed, but please don’t surprise me with a party. I would much rather drink wine at home with my cats. Happy birthday to me!