Why Do People Make a Big Deal Out of Birthdays?

Why do people have to make a big deal out of celebrating their birthday? So What?  You lived another year.  Is that all you did?  Why are you so obsessed with that one day?   Is it so important that once a year your friends and family have to stand around and sing to you, eat at a restaurant that only you like, and buy you things that you don't need?  Are you so starved for attention that you have to force people to recognize your birthday?  Personally, I'm at the age where turning another year older is not cause for celebration.  Now make me a year younger every year on my birthday and I will begin to celebrate!