Quote Originally Posted by sfa View Post
We seem to have settled into a pattern in my family where birthdays are celebrated for immediate family who are in the area during a family get-together, either one arranged specifically for the birthday or one already planned that is just kinda close to the birthday. Often these happen weeks after the birthday, or we'll combine people who have close birthdays into one party. The "party" is casual--dinner at someone's house, or brunch on a weekend. For out of town relatives, we don't do formal celebrations, but we'll deliver gifts the next time we see that person.

On the day of someone's birthday, though, we always get in contact so they know we haven't forgotten them--a call or an email is enough, though. I don't think any of us have ever sent cards through the mail.

Sarah
We have done all of the above combinations. "Party" is always casual but the food dishes themselves could be quite elegant / gourmet style at times.

B-cards: actually I appreciate the occasional real b-card when the family member(s) is living far away. Card can be displayed for a few days. An email is deletable and not every family member phones one another on each other's b-day for good wishes. Family members just have different styles of communication/showing appreciation.

My parents are not computer literate and never will be. So snail cards are appreciated.