Being the youngest of 10, I always have the benefit of being the kid, even though I’m 45.  I’m grateful for every year and truly feel my life has only gotten better with age.  I think facing our frailties (physical, emotional and spiritual) serves to help us see the blessings that others add to our lives.  In two years I’ll be the age my Dad was at his death.  That reality really helps me not mind the creaks - they mean I’m still alive.
As far as celebrating, I like spending the day going out with my husband and kids..those are the best memories.

I’m with Maureen:  just a low-key celebration with family.  I have to admit that I am having some trouble with dealing with my age.  I’ve been feeling my mortality more lately.  It kind of freaks me out that I can remember my parents’ generation when they were younger than I am now.  And I used to think they were so old when they were my age.

My birthday is next week and my present is my husband finishing his Masters thesis and exams two days earlier! The children and I just want to spend some time with him and the past few months in particular have been very trying with him putting in super long hours, me proofreading while the 2.5 year old pulls at my arms and tells me to get away from the computer, and even when my husband is around his poor restless mind is deep in academic reflection!

Happy belated birthday! I loved your article. Being in my early forties my attitude has also changed about my birthday. My husband doesn’t like his birthday and always says it’s just another day. I try to remind him and others that your birthday isn’t just another day, it’s special because you were born on that day and you are special! We usually just have cake and the birthday person gets to pick their dinner (and get out of helping with dishes!) I try to treat myself to something I enjoy, some extra reading/relaxing time, maybe a candy bar, just something to help me remember it is a special day and to thank God that I am alive and have some many blessings in my life.

I am 48 as well and gave birth to my third child last year.  His sisters are now 21 and 24.  I do feel old… and odd, since my life is more like that of a much younger woman.  If I pay more attention to how I feel inside and not what I see in the mirror, I AM that much younger woman.  I have an ongoing conversation with God about raising a child at this time in my life, telling Him, “You gave me this child so You will have to give me the physical strength and stamina to raise him as well!”  Happy 48th!

OK, so I am 52 and when you are saying 48 is “super old” that makes me super, super, old!  My mom still always tries to make my birthday special - she will usually have our whole family over for dinner for my birthday.  My husband knows I am very practical, and will usually buy me something like jewlelry (not expensive) that I would not buy myself.  I was a little disappointed when I got a new can opener from the kids because it was pink (for the Komen cure).  They didn’t know Komen gives money to Planned Parenthood.  Since it was a cheap can opener, I am not letting that stop me from using it!  However, if I have any words of wisdom, it would be that I would have celebrated my 50th in a bigger way.  Not necessarily a big party, because I am an introvert, but something special - maybe just a day away.  My birthday fell on the day of my daughter’s confirmation, which was very satisfying, and my mom had the extended family over for dinner, which would have been fine for a “regular” birthday, but I wish I myself had done a little planning ahead of time to think about what/when to do something for my 50th.  All in all, I have a great life, and I am very appreciative that I can still get up in the morning, go for a walk, enjoy my kids.    If you have ever gone to a class reunion where they start naming those who have died from your class, you will know what I mean.

Hey dear friend… just look at me… I’m the one who is super old, not you!!! 

Turning 50 in Dec. and not really bothered by it.  I have wonderful husband, kids & grandkids.  Not perfect but hey that gives me lots to pray for!  I feel quite young and that makes all the difference…it’s just a number!

I am so with you!  I love, love, love my forties! (I turned 47 last month)  Something magical happened when I turned 40.  I learned that I could be me.  I was finally comfortable in my own skin and I was a lot more accepting of others in theirs!  (It didn’t hurt that I was still technically a newlywed and pregnant with my first child).  30 was my hardest birthday.  I was in a place where not one of my life goals were met. It was rough. My advice to all those young ladies out there—It gets better—and easier!

I am almost 50.  I love celebrating birthdays, including my own. If only my family made a bigger deal of it but it’s usually an afterthought for them.  Age is not an issue for me except for every year I seem to have more health problems that prevent me from doing what I want or need to do since I have kids and a house to take care of.  But I don’t care about the wrinkles, etc.  Sometimes I dye my hair and sometimes I just let the grey grow out.  The only hard birthday was 30 because I was not yet married and I knew the statistics were against me.  But now that I am married to a wonderful husband with a couple wonderful kids I am comfortable in my skin.

I’ll be “50” in another month.  I have six children who span 20 years and I have to say keeping up with two boys, 7 and 8 1/2 does keep you thinking and feeling younger than your chronological age!  I enjoyed my 40’s and hope that my 50’s are even better!

Btw, our age group demographic can really be instrumental in a lot of ways…I think many of us who grew up in the 70’s have become more conservative and I can only hope this translates to our society following suit.