How do you get in the birthday mood

[Fishies]

Its my 31st birthday on Monday and I'm just ugh about it. Even though a lovely friend has just sent me flowers in the post it made me smile but im still not in the birthday mood. Things have been tough the last few weeks maybe that's not helping it.
Our beautiful labrador who was 14 had to be put to sleep.
Dads been in hospital with heart trouble
Weve had some issues with the neighbours behind us and thats looking like its going down a legal route
My son reacted badly to an mri scan causing a week stay in hospital
Everything has just been really stressful people keep asking me am I excited -no no im not, I've no idea what we can do on the day we have 2 young kids also to occupy.
The husband keeps asking me what special dinner do I want. I've no idea
I would love a weekend away somewhere just us to rekindle the spark but that's not happening any time soon

So how do you get in that birthday mood.
I spent my 30th in lockdown also and that was just the same

[FearlessSwiftie]

It's hard to get in a Birthday (or any other holiday) mood when things are tough, I totally get it. The thing is that you don't have to push yourself into being all cheery-smiley if you don't feel like it. If there is an opportunity for you to spend the calm and relaxing day at your place, then go for it. If not, then just try to make the best of what you have. I know, that sounds silly, but there are lots of things to be happy about, we just don't really notice them.

It's also said that appetite comes with eating, so maybe you can think of some fun Birthday activities and then you'll feel more excited. It can be something really extra, like making a Birthday picture collage, or a Birthday calendar or even a whole Happy Birthday video for yourself and while you are looking for nice pictures and choosing a cheerful song the mood comes along. Dressing up and doing make up and hair also helps to feel better, I've tried it and it worked for me just fine. Watching comedies is another way to feel better, here is a list of Bday themed movies- www.nobleworkscards.com/birthday-movies.html

There is also a thing called Birthday depression, it's not the same that we are talking about but here is an article about it and maybe some of the tips will help you as well- www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321063#tips-to-beat-the-birthday-blues