Happy birthday! Not.

The birthday haters are winning.

At least that's the conclusion of this essay, which suggests the recession is curbing our obsession with "birthday mania." An excerpt:

Birthday haters appear to be winning hearts and minds because America is poorer, more secular, and more tired than it used to be.

Am I disappointed? No way.

Once I hit my 20s, I noticed a growing trend of friends expecting multi-day celebrations.

We'd indulge in a fancy dinner, and part ways with this unexpected goodbye: "Hope you guys can come to my real party tomorrow."

Huh?

In the absence of structured classroom parties with cupcakes and cheesy hats, the 20-something bday celebration has potential to transform into a multi-day beast. One who preys on the wallets and patience of its closest comrades.

Frankly, it's something I can do without.

So thanks, recession.

You've made great strides in underscoring what a birthday should really be: just one day.