My girls seem to get ongoing birthdays. By the time everyone has visited we have had 3-4 cakes, sang happy birthday dozens of times and so on. Both girls have had parties for their birthdays. I enjoy throwing them. We don't do extravagant but we do have a good time. If you were to ask my girls what they remember they will say who was there and what they did and not what presents they have been given. Most people we have an understanding with too that if they are stuck for a present idea then they can put some money in the girls saving account instead.

Each to their own. You do what you can and others do what they can, who are we to know any of the circumstances as to why choices are made by others.