I’ve name-changed for this as quite a few of my friends are on MN.
Next year holds big birthdays for me and quite a few of my closest friends, some in the same friendship groups and others not, some live near me and others don’t.
A few have recently mentioned wanting to go away or do something special for their birthdays, either in small friendship groups or individually. Everyone’s financial situations are different but most are significantly better off than me and have no issue with multiple trips away/abroad for these birthdays, even to celebrate different birthdays within the same friendship groups. Realistically this is £200-400 a pop with accommodation, food, drinks, travel plus any activities. Gifts on top. I simply can’t afford it and it’s causing me quite a bit of anxiety already.
Some friends have started putting feelers out for birthday plans (mine and theirs) and I’m feeling the pressure to commit to them now. My birthday in January is the first of all of them and I’m not that bothered about doing anything but I wonder if that actually comes from a place of feeling guilty inviting them to something even low key for me but then not being able to reciprocate for them. I also hate imposing on people. I love them all and would love to celebrate this thing that means a lot to them, but I can maybe only stretch to one trip/big activity next year and don't know how to prioritise which one.
Can I just hibernate for the year?! Seriously though, any advice on how to navigate this without disappointing anyone, or other ways I could celebrate with them on a budget outside of their big plans?
I should have started saving a little bit years ago, good old hindsight eh!