That doesnt sound 'normal' to me. But each religion, family, society is different.

I hate my birthday. I would pretend it doesnt exist. My husband LOVES his birthday. We have a big party every year. Invite the whole neighborhood and every friend we have. People come from out of state for his birthday. I plan it for months. When he was growing up, his parents never did anything for his bday. And then when he was abandoned and homeless at 14, his whole life was just surviving. So now he over compensates his birthday every year to make up for lost years.

For me, eh its whatever.

I would tell people its an important day to you and you would like to celebrate it. Thats not a weird request, unless there is a religious reason behind it i guess.