No not have a party or a holiday abroad for my 50th birthday

Absolutely agree @JadziaD

I freaking LOVE a big birthday and have been thinking about my 50th for about 3 years as I figured out what would make me happiest AND work for my friends/family.

Having said that:

YANBU at all.

The ONLY thing that is important on a big birthday is that you do what YOU want to do. If that's lie in a dark room with whale chants for 8 hours, or party till dawn for 3 straight weeks makes absolutely no difference.

And I will ALWAYS respect whatever the birthday person prefers.

Can you explain why you think big birthday celebrations for adults are ridiculous (and what constitutes big - a party? A holiday? Dinner out?)? Genuinely. I wouldn’t have a party myself as I’m not a big fan, but I genuinely don’t understand this idea that it’s ridiculous for adults to celebrate.

Do what you like. I doubt anyone will care less either way.

I think big birthday celebrations for adults are ridiculous but others don’t. Choose whatever suits you best.

Thankfully DH and our extended family also feel the same so we never have a problem with adult birthdays.

I've never really enjoyed big birthday celebrations, and basically avoid them. My family know the score and there are no surprises! This November it’s our 40 th wedding anniversary. We’ve hired a cottage in the Peak District for us and our two children and girlfriends . As having them was also the reason we got married, we thought it a loving thing to do all round and we’re all looking forward to it.

Celebrate however you like , I don’t really do birthdays and spent my 50th in hospital after collapsing during a venesection . What you have suggested sounds ideal to me .

I was 50 during Covid, so couldn't do anything even if I wanted to. A friend of mine was 50 in September and has spent a month celebrating, with days out, holidays and parties. Overkill if you ask me, but everyone wants to do something different to celebrate. Don't ever bow to peer pressure, your Birthday, you do what you want to do

Haven't rtft sorry but just wanted to say it's my 50th next month too, and I've circled back and forth about what do lots. I finally decided a month ago I wanted a P A.R.T.Y so I've organised one, nothing fancy but focused on what made me happy - ie dancing with my friends and a buffet! DH is happy as I've took charge, and he's sorting the cake 🎂 I'm also going on holiday with him later in the month.
Basically- I have pleased myself! Do what gives you joy and I hope you have fun whatever that entails! 😊

You do what makes you happy. End of. Enjoy xxx

I did a holiday (to NYC) for our 40th with childhood best friend. Next year we are 50 and yes we are definitely going to do another big trip. I’ve lost a couple of good friends this year, so can’t guarantee will see another big bday so definitely want to celebrate it. Not everyone wants to, or can afford it. But for me, I’ll prioritise this.

I don't think you are being unreasonable. When I turned 50 I chose to have an early lunch in a pub with my husband, daughter and son-in-law. After lunch we went back to our home village which has a Wildlife park and spent time at the Wildlife park looking at the animals and birds. We then went back home for a fresh cream cake and a pot of tea. I had the day I wanted. A no fuss relaxed day with those I love. The thought of a party horrified me to be honest.
Have what you want for your milestone birthday and enjoy your special day with those you love. 💐

It's your birthday so just do what you like. I don't like parties or big gatherings. The most I've done for big birthdays (and I've had several!) is go out for a meal with close family.

I'm 50 at end of November. My birthday tends to get over shadowed by Christmas. Years of Nivea / Dove / etc sets for birthdays. I tell friends not to bother with presents anymore. It's lazy cheap gift buying.

I don't have a big family or tons of friends. Not having a party. Don't like crowds or loud music anyhow.

I'm going on holiday to a really lovely hotel TUI BLUE Palm Beach Hammamet , in Tunisia with DH and DD to celebrate. My only holiday this year.

I've been to Tunisia before and I'm blonde 😂

Just want to make the case that not all parties are about 'look at me' at all! I thought long and hard about whether or not I wanted to hold a party for my milestone birthday earlier this year. Despite being sociable and quite confident in myself I am also an introvert and not at all a 'look at me' sort of person. BUT I felt that a party could be a lovely moment of connection between friends and family. In a time when human connection can feel weak, I wanted to do something real. I didn't feel that positive about hitting this age tbh. Holding a party, wh was a way to treat my friends, I covered all food and drink and the setting was lovely and relaxing, and was a way to not hide away from my age and to turn it into something positive to be shared. In many cultures parties are moments of warm shared experience with friends and family not about showing off.
Just wanted to make the point that parties are not just about raging egos! I'd be gutted if someone made that assumption about me just because I held a party.

Of course not, it's your celebration, do whatever makes you happy.

I'm three-and-a-bit years away from my 50th. I intend to win a Bafta Cymru for my birthday and then spend a week in Paris. It's whatever you want isn't it?

I had two celebrations for my 50th. Hired a youth hostel for all my friends, and had an adventure weekend for one.

Took all of my family to a campsite for the other.

Both were absolutely brilliant. Probably cost about the same as a big party, but for me, a lot more fun.

You sound very reasonable to me. I didn’t have a big do for my 50th as we went on our annual holiday for DH’s 50th the same year.

Hi Op you do what you want it’s your birthday some people bang on about oh it has to be this or that but your still celebrating it and that’s what matters Xx

I booked a holiday lodge for us, my 2 daughters, one son in law and my new grandson so that I could have all my family with me for the weekend. That was what was most important to me.

That sounds v similar to what I’ve got planned!

I was feeling a bit strange about it at first as lots of people seem to have big events or holidays for their ‘big’ birthdays, but have decided I’m celebrating in the way I like. You never really get to talk to anyone at big parties anyway, so definitely would prefer a couple of smaller dinners and spending more time overall with my favourite people.

You should do whatever makes you happy - whether that’s a big party, staying in with a lovely book and chocolate by yourself, or somewhere in between!

For my 50th we went madeira for a week myself and hubby, for my 60th I had a small party in my garden with just my children and grandchildren, it was 2020 just as we came out of lockdown.

Of course not. It's up to you whether to celebrate and how much to celebrate and where to celebrate! It's your birthday, not theirs, so do what you enjoy!

Did you realise that the only acceptable way to celebrate a birthday on Mumsnet is by wearing a hair shirt, eating a stale cheese sandwich and accepting it’s simply another day? How very entitled of you to even mention it! 🙄 Celebrate as you wish OP, happy birthday 🥳

It is your birthday, do what you want. Hubby stayed in a caravan and went to a theme park (his birthday was in the Easter holidays and we often have a few days at that time of year).
My 50th will be a quiet weekend with hubby and our son. No party, no flash holidays as it is 2 weeks after Christmas.

If that’s the way you talk about your ‘best’ friend, I’m amazed that you have any friends at all.