My mother, Bertha Bee (Leonard) McCauley, was the "Happy Birthday Queen" in our family for years. This was before the internet. Not only has the internet in our day made it easy to keep track of birthdays and other special occasions, it has also made it inexpensive to send wishes. My mom had her little book filled with names and dates, and she sent hard copy birthday cards that required stamps. The expense was worth it to her...and to the recipients of her remembrance.
There are numerous ways to keep track of birthdays and other occasions. Facebook users are alerted to FB friends celebrating a birthday that particular day. I use this tool on a daily basis. Yet, I also use "birthday alarm" so I can keep track of other occasions, such as anniversaries, and birthdays of those who are not on facebook. This would include the young children in the family. I am sure there are other companies that also provide this service. I have used birthday alarm for quite a number of years and have been extremely pleased with the service, and it is relatively inexpensive.
So how do you find the dates you want to remember? ASK! ...and then record it somewhere that is convenient for you. When we have a new baby in the family, I add that baby to birthday alarm and to the family on "familysearch". Also, when a family member mentions that he/she is celebrating an anniversary, I make note of that info on birthday alarm.
Adding an image to a Happy Birthday greeting on Facebook makes it more personal. There are all kinds of fun happy birthday images to be found just by googling "happy birthday images". We have a family FB group so I like to post my Happy Birthday greetings there so other family members can add a birthday wish, too. If you want to wish someone a Happy Birthday who is not on FB but has a text number, you can send an image to him or her that way. For these people, let others know they are celebrating a birthday as they might want to send a greeting, too.
It is also extremely fun to celebrate the birthdays of ancestors and family members who are now on the other side of the veil. Family search offers a service you can request to be alerted when it is the birthday or anniversary of an ancestor. When I receive these alerts I share the info with our family FB group.
Although it is great to receive a birthday wish electronically, receiving one in the mail is extra special. For children in the family I have decided to send a special birthday card and a tradition gift on certain birthdays. For me it is at least 8th and 12th birthdays.
