My girfriend's birthday is fast approaching, and while I have learned some everyday "tourist" sort of phrases and greetings, the subject of wishing someone a happy birthday has never come up in any of my lessons.
I want to translate..
"Happy birthday, my Galina. Even if I cannot be there to celebrate with you at this moment, I hope your day is filled with happiness and love. Always remember you have the brightest place in my heart, and you are never alone."
Also, for anyone who knows, Russian parties seem to last for days when celebrating everything else. What is a birthday like? Do they hold as much emphasis on it as we do in the west? Do relatives from all over the country descend on the home like rabid pack animals?