Birthday Celebrations….what do you do

This lunch was a couple of days before my birthday. On my actual birthday me, OH, sister, brother, his partner and my daughter went for lunch at my favourite restaurant. Much food and wine was consumed - I had Steak Diane which I adore.

My birthday is just after Christmas, ( waves to Kitty) so there’s not much happening due to Christmas and New Year fatigue.
For big birthdays I usually hint ( large hints ) to DH what I’d like to do, he always manages to get it right.

We have family get-togethers for all our birthdays - not individually, but grouping a few together, so usually four or five dos a year. We’re having one this weekend for DS’s (end August) and DD1’s (end September). The dates depend on when we can all make it, and the venues vary depending on who fancies hosting. Everyone gets a cake, usually made by me (I’m having a go at a 2D comic cake this time, so wish me luck). Before the grandsons we’d all go out for a meal, but they’re still young, so for now it’s better for them just to run riot together in one of our houses.

For big birthdays DH and I have in the past hired local venues and invited family and lots of friends, but I’m not sure we’ll do it again. For one thing we have January birthdays, four days apart, so a) the weather’s usually a worry and b) everyone’s a bit partied out by then!

Have to agree with Witzend regarding unexpected pleasure in surprise. If my sons had told me what they had planned for my latest zero birthday I would have asked them not to but I did indeed have a very memorable and happy occasion with many members of my family. Not what I would have chosen at all ever but.....somewhat wonderful once I got over the initial shock.

My birthday is also our wedding anniversary. Planned on purpose so DH has no excuse to forget.
We usually try to be away, just the 2 of us. We cruised into Venice on my 50th.
For my 60th the AC told us we'd need to be back from our holiday for the actual day. They'd planned a day out culminating in a dinner for the larger extended family and a night in the hotel. All a surprise.
We have booked a long weekend away for this year.

I expect nothing whatsoever from others for my birthday, i never make a big fuss over it. Next year i will be 60 and i have plans set in my mind, thankfully next year my birthday falls on a Sunday so that makes my planning soooo much easier. No party, I'm not a party person, never have been, I'd sooner spend it with my family.

As 1 of my friends said " Its just another day." 🥳