Smiddy, take it from someone who has a very forgetful husband...I drop hints a few weeks before my birthday or our anniversary and even Mother's Day. I would LIKE my husband to remember these things without me dropping hints but it is just too sad for me when he doesn't remember, so I go the hints route. We might be looking at something that's broken and I'll say 'you can fix it for my birthday!' And ping! The lightbulb goes off in his head (when is her birthday again? Is it coming up?) lol.
Im glad you mentioned it to your family the day after, and hoping they are more aware for next year. Because truly, despite what the WT says, everyone deserves to feel special one day out of the year!!