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How early is too early to wish someone a Happy Birthday?

Do Birthday Wishes expire if they are given too early or late? Are there external factors that must be considered?

Public Comments

1. In Germany, wishing anyone a happy birthday before the actual date is considered to be tempting fate and may bring bad luck to the birthday boy or girl, specifically it is feared that they will then not live long enough to have their next birthday. I am not aware of any rule like this in other countries, but they may exist.
2. birthday is day of birthday, therefore only to wish someone on the day. otherwise if you work with someone and their birthday is on a satruady and you wont see them, this is fine to give present, or cards then. As for after the fact, its ok up until a week after the birthday to give cards and presents as its still in the immedate past!
3. I wish my friends online Happy Birthday the 1st of the month.. and that way it covers all of them at the same time ;-)
4. I would say even two days ahead if I know I'm not going to see/talk to the person...
5. I would say that birthday wishes are a little awkward when they are late by at least two days. Now early birthday wishes all depend on the last time you will see the birthday person. It would be awkward if you told someone happy birthday everyday until their actual birthday. . .
6. The time line is a week for after the birth day if you are a week late then you might as well forget it lol unless you have a gift. three days before the birthday is to early
7. I guess it depends on if you will see that person before their birthday or not.
8. I think it would be prudent to try to make the birthday wish as close to the birthday as possible--within the week. However, if you know that you will not be able to get a birthday message to someone within a close proximity to the special day, a birthday wish given when you can should be fine. Hey, you're thinking about them and want to wish them well. Maybe you could explain the circumstances for an early birthday wish if it makes sense to do that. I like to think that most people woud appreciate a nice thought regardless of the timing.