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How do you like to celebrate your birthday?

(90 Posts)
Applegran Mon 14-Mar-22 15:30:53

I've had a lot of birthdays! But I still enjoy receiving cards and friendly messages - especially from children and grandchildren - but of course also from friends and other family. I haven't got room for much more 'stuff'! Am unsure what to say when asked what I'd like - recently have asked for donations to the DEC for refugees. Because of Covid I don't want to go to a restaurant either. What do others do or like to happen on their birthdays?

MaggsMcG Tue 15-Mar-22 11:07:52

I'm coming up to a big one in April. I would like a family gathering but that's not going to happen as some of them don't get on. I've already booked myself into a show The Mouse Trap on the actual day, as we are both the same age this year ?

Ladyleftfieldlover Tue 15-Mar-22 11:05:03

My favourite birthdays have been the ones where the whole family is there sat round a table in a restaurant. We will enjoy a delicious meal and have lots of fizzy drink! It is nice to get presents and my three children always buy wonderful presents. OH has to have a list! I usually hear from my brother and sister in Australia and my sister in law often arranges for flowers to be sent. Birthdays are important. I realise some people think they’re not, but I disagree. You could say it’s a realisation that we are still on this earth and that should be celebrated. IMHO of course!

Grannysmith Tue 15-Mar-22 11:05:02

I am taking son (arriving from Sweden in about an hour) & my DH to Sharm el Sheikh tomorrow to celebrate my 70th

Lookout01 Tue 15-Mar-22 11:04:22

My birthday this year falls on Mother's Day so I'm feeling a little guilty and hoping my children (grown up) don't overdo the cards and gifts. So struggling a little but found a table for lunch where we can all be together (at last). That is pure birthday bliss for me

Bluedaisy Tue 15-Mar-22 11:01:42

We usually go out to dinner with our DS and his family but as we end up paying it’s proving to be very expensive. Sometimes we have a takeout with them but 2 years ago we were living in Devon away from family and we were on lockdown I ordered in a cream tea which my husband and myself sat in our (very windy) garden but I thoroughly enjoyed myself! So this year I’ve decided their will be no dinner in restaurant/pub, no takeaway I just would like a cream tea either ordered in or there’s a lovely tea shop in our village literally 5 minutes walk that will do very nicely.

Alioop Tue 15-Mar-22 11:00:36

I have a meal out with my sister and another with my friend. My friend and I always buy each other a ticket for a show or concert instead of a present as we have so many things and it's hard to know now what to buy nowadays. Plus we get another wee night out together.

Polly4t42 Tue 15-Mar-22 10:58:08

Going on a picnic with my family. We have young grandchildren aged two and 5 and often go out for the day to a National Trust property.

Redhead56 Mon 14-Mar-22 23:19:17

It's rare my family can arrange for us all to be together because of their work. So it's usually me and my husband going for a meal my first choice is always Chinese banquet in my favourite restaurant.

Georgesgran Mon 14-Mar-22 22:45:16

I don’t like a lot of fuss. My birthday today, but DDs had been and we’d eaten out on Saturday, as they’re both at work today. They bought me a beautiful fire bowl for my garden. Today has been a bit of an effort with various friends and neighbours arriving with cards, flowers and fizz. Don’t get me wrong - all much appreciated and I’m grateful to have such lovely caring friends!
BF took me out for fizzy afternoon tea today at our local MPW restaurant and very nice it was too.

Kim19 Mon 14-Mar-22 22:28:33

Yes, my son1 has decided to travel north and spend his 53rd birthday with me. I'm thrilled and delighted as Covid has scuppered recent potential meetings. Hopefully not this time.

CanadianGran Mon 14-Mar-22 21:30:50

I don't like too much fuss, but having friend and family call or drop by makes me happy. My DH always reminds me a few weeks in advance to go buy myself something nice, and I always do! Since mine is at the beginning of November there always seems to be a pair of boots or new sweater that is calling to me.

Last year, even with lockdowns, I remember going to bed at the end of the day feeling blessed with so many calls from family and friends... talked my ear off!

Yammy Mon 14-Mar-22 21:01:09

I like to get cards from old friends especially school and college and family. FaceTime calls from Dd's and their families. One GC usually puts their foot in it and makes everyone laugh.The year before last it was a big one and one granddaughter asked where my hair had gone making me sound old until her dad said I like your natural colour . It was because I was embracing my grey,If we can get together a tea party with cakes from Bettys of Harrogate so no one has to work.

JaneJudge Mon 14-Mar-22 21:00:55

a nice hotel room and meal, shopping, lots of drinks, a nice bed ;)

Blossoming Mon 14-Mar-22 20:54:56

Out on the fells, miles from anywhere, with Mr. B and a picnic smile

Serendipity22 Mon 14-Mar-22 20:45:46

Im not in the slightest bit bothered about cards and presents, its the company of my family and friends that make my day special.

smilesmilesmile

Cabbie21 Mon 14-Mar-22 20:38:42

I like getting cards, and am pleased if I get a text or phone call from any of the family. In 2020 my daughter and the grandchildren did a doorstep visit and brought us fish and chips which was a real treat. I like the day to be a pleasant one but nothing specific.

nexus63 Mon 14-Mar-22 20:18:48

i don't bother with birthdays any more, never really have done, my son gives me a card (i keep them all) and put's money in my account to buy whatever i want. i get messages on facebook from other family. i think sending cards is getting less and less over the last few years. i still do cards for grandchildren and my dad. lots of people don't bother and to others it is very important,....maybe it's an older thing, i will be 59 this year.

Oldbat1 Mon 14-Mar-22 20:18:41

Birthdays - not for me.

Grandmadinosaur Mon 14-Mar-22 20:04:52

We often used to go away on holiday somewhere just me and DH.

Since having the GC I like to see them on the day. The eldest one the GS gets so excited when it’s Grandma or Grandads birthday with the cake, presents etc. Last year when it was lockdown and Grandads birthday we were discussing it saying we’d have cake,presents etc GS added don't forget balloons and pass the parcel so that’s what we did!

V3ra Mon 14-Mar-22 19:53:39

GrandmaSeaDragon we're celebrating my daughter's 40+1 later this year as well!
Between Covid restrictions and the happy discovery she was finally expecting a much-wanted second baby, last year's celebratory holiday had to be postponed for her too ?

foxie48 Mon 14-Mar-22 19:28:34

My birthday is boxing day so it gets rolled into the general Christmas celebrations, which I don't mind in the slightest. We are often staying with family and my SIL always makes me a chocolate log with a robin and a candle on the top.

TwiceAsNice Mon 14-Mar-22 19:23:35

Don’t mind as long as I can spend it with family. My birthday is in the middle of July so it’s become a bit of a ritual the last few years to have a barbecue at daughters house and she cooks me my favourite rib eye and mushrooms , a glass of Prosecco or rose and a scoop of ice cream to finish!

I get a card off the granddaughters which I always keep and they all usually give me a nice present too. Sometimes something I’ve asked for and sometimes a surprise. I’m very lucky and grateful

GrandmaSeaDragon Mon 14-Mar-22 17:15:32

Thank you V3ra, less than 4 weeks to go now! So glad your Dad enjoyed his 90+1 party, what a lovely gathering for him. We’ve missed younger DDs 40th and my 70th, so a bit of celebrating is in order when we all get together!

Callistemon21 Mon 14-Mar-22 17:10:15

A meal out with family.

Several people I know have asked for donations to a fund to help Ukrainian refugees in lieu of a present.
A lovely idea

V3ra Mon 14-Mar-22 17:00:13

GrandmaSeaDragon

Time away with our 2DDs, SiLs, 5DGC and dog at Easter when my birthday falls. This year a week in Southwold, which will hopefully be 3rd time lucky as last 2 years have been lost due to lockdown. Hurray for that but not being another year older!

Fingers crossed for you this year! ?

We had a family get-together weekend recently for my Dad's 90+1 birthday, which had to be postponed last year.
Twenty two of us including six great grandchildren. Dad really enjoyed his weekend and said he couldn't believe he was related to so many people ?