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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?

Diane7 Tue 15-Mar-22 21:22:31

I love receiving birthday cards from friends especially school friends, I am in my 60's now, with an update of their lives. Lunch out with family and friends, presents not required nowadays.

Whitewavemark2 Wed 16-Mar-22 03:37:50

Mine is a winter birthday.

My favourite way apart from seeing my family of course, is to go for a meal then the theatre.

Witzend Wed 16-Mar-22 09:59:16

Preferably not much fuss at all. I will always get a card and a token sort of present from dds and dh, and now she’s old enough, a card made by Gdd1, but I really don’t want them - especially dds - to spend a lot of money, and I certainly don’t want any more ‘stuff’.

Last recent birthday we were invited to a dd’s for dinner, and she had made a cake, decorated by little Gdcs. That was lovely, I wouldn’t want anything more.

Having said that, a lot more was made of my Big birthday a few years ago. Despite my having said ‘No fuss!’ dds and dh had booked a large house for a weekend, so that more distant family members could come.
Although I had wanted no such thing, I did really enjoy it anyway.

Tamayra Wed 16-Mar-22 10:09:07

My 4 children usually send me a beautiful bouquet of flowers
That’s it Haven’t seen anyone on my actual birthday for years.
I happened to be in UK for my 70th & my daughter & son who live there took me out for lunch That was lovely
Perhaps my Australian Sons might arrange something for my 80th next year
That would be lovely smile

Marmight Wed 16-Mar-22 10:19:40

I’ve had quite a few solo birthdays since being widowed but my girls all Whatsapp and send cards & presents.
4 friends & I have birthdays within a month and have gone out for lunch every year since 1982 apart from the last 2 lockdown years. I hope to return to Scotland this year to continue the tradition.
This year my art group are having a spring tea party at a local hotel by chance on my birthday, so that will be fun ???

GagaJo Wed 16-Mar-22 10:24:59

Right now, I'd love a pamper day. Just me. My life is so hectic, some time alone would be wonderful.

Normally, I'd like to spend the day with my DD & DGS and then be wined and dined by the bloke.

JackyB Wed 16-Mar-22 12:50:53

As you say you don't want to go to a restaurantapplegran you might want to look for an outdoor activity, if this is what you want (rather than a present)

Maybe a trip to the zoo or a wildlife park, if the grandchildren are to be included, or a garden or stately home with an outdoor Cafe to finish off the afternoon.

A cuddle on the sofa with a favourite DVD and a glass of champers.

Gwenisgreat1 Wed 16-Mar-22 22:25:40

Definitely go out for a meal, don't care where, but a family meal is very welcome.

Witzend Thu 17-Mar-22 10:48:09

I never mind cooking, so family coming to us always suits me fine, even if it’s my birthday or Mothers’ Day. Also means dh and I can have a ?or two - no driving!

We still have a very little Gdd so unless it’s e.g. in a pub garden, eating at home is easier. Same when Gds was very small - he was a human hurricane, so wanting to run around when he wasn’t actually eating.
A bit more civilised now, at 5.5!

Though last birthday they all came, and dd2 brought all the v nice food - I wasn’t allowed to help at all.

GreenGran78 Thu 17-Mar-22 11:16:01

I don't like a fuss. Now that we are more or less back to normal we will resume our routine of going out for a family birthday meal, which we usually do. My GS is 20 on Sunday, and just wants a Chinese takeaway and no cake, so we will be going to his house. He would rather go fishing than partying!
I'm looking forward to celebrating my Aussie grandson's 2nd birthday with them all, in Perth on 20th May. Meeting him, at last, means far more to me than any birthday gift.

Uptodate Sat 19-Mar-22 06:47:31

I have my 60th in a couple of weeks and have no interest in celebrating in any way. Not because of being 60, really couldn't care less, just find the whole thing of "what do you want for your birthday" and so & so wants to know what to get you really tiresome. I tell them I really don't want anything but I know they feel the need to get me something to make themselves feel better. My partner has already said that part of the reason he wants to get me something special is because he knows people will ask me what he got me and if I say nothing he will feel embarrassed, so this makes me feel I have to choose something more for his benefit than mine. To me it's just another day and I'll be glad when it's been and gone.

harrigran Sat 19-Mar-22 08:15:00

I used to enjoy going out for lunch with DH, a good restaurant followed up with a bottle of Champagne at home.
My 60th birthday was spent in a hotel in the Lakes with ten of my family, all arranged by DH, it was superb.
My 70th was spent at home as I was having chemotherapy but I did have a glass of Champagne with the family.
Last birthday was my 75th and I can't remember anything about it as DH was so ill.

rubysong Sat 19-Mar-22 08:29:51

My 70th was just before Christmas. DH and I had 3 nights in a lovely b&b in Totnes (only just over an hour drive away). We went to NT Greenway, mooched around the shops, went to a Carol Service, walked by the river, had nice meals out and on the actual day, DS2 and family came over with flowers, present and card and we all had lunch together. Perfect.

muse Sat 19-Mar-22 11:22:32

Happy Birthday WendyBT ? when it arrives. Is it soon?

My birthday is between Christmas Day and New Years Day. It is usually a very quiet celebration with a walk if the weather is good. I look forward to calls from my two AC.

However: I'm 73 this year but I'm having the third attempt at celebrating my 70th. In just over a month I will be on Bryher (Isles of Scilly) for four days with my DH. It was booked for April 2020. We tried again in 2021 but the hotel wasn't allowed to open. The best day will be when we visit one of the other islands, Tresco and the garden there (image). That's been on my bucket list for a long time. Bryher can be seen- top left.