DD 10th birthday tomorrow (school day) - is this “normal”?

[Acunningruse]

For context, I have been stressed with work recently, kids only went back to school yesterday and so I haven’t been as focused on DD’s birthday as I ought to have been. Combine that with social media influencers (I know, comparison is the thief of joy, etc) and I just feel I need a reality check that this is the right level of “special” for a mid-week birthday?

Wake up and do presents
her favourite breakfast (waffles) with a candle in and we will sing happy birthday
go to school- (haven’t got badge or sash- could pick up today?)
birthday tea at home with grandparents (she requested this rather than meal out)
cake and candles

Rather than a party we are going away for the weekend but not for 2 weeks.

just checking it seems special enough? I haven’t ordered the big helium balloons this year as it seems such a waste, we take a picture with them and thsts it. But maybe that makes it special? Aaaargghh

How do you explain it to school

Don’t send her to school in a birthday sash, op 😬
Bloody hell.

You don't!

But you need a reason for absence! Miraculously sick on just her birthday?

Its my DD birthday next week and she is 10 too. We are doing exactly the same as you and going away for the weekend and that’s what she wants to do. It’s her birthday next week so we are away this weekend. We take some presents with us to open and the rest she will open on the day. Grandma is also coming with us and we will go out for dinner and also get a cake, she loves all that. What you have planned sounds perfect and I’m sure your DD will love it and remember those special birthday weekends you went away and reminisce about them in the future. Be kind to yourself, remember that you are making your own memories and traditions and don’t let social media rob you of anything xx

We used to have flowers at our table setting for breakfast in our birthdays. I usually had pansies. But then gallons etc were not a thing then.

It’s fine!
I never did parties for my kids… they were happy to have a friend to tea and/or a day out or trip to the cinema.
We’ve never made a big fuss, but it always seemed special. I always made a birthday cake and decorated it for them.

It sounds like you have done something lovely and she will love it.
I have this anxiety every year as my son’s birthday is on the 8th Jan and after Christmas it always feels like such an anti climax.
But I always find the excitement takes over anyway. Give yourself a break

Can you come and organize my birthday please? But seriously sounds lovely. More than enough love and attention to make her feel special. I hope she has a lovely day.

Thank you so much to everyone who replied. DD had an absolutely lovely day, was very happy with all her presents and birthday breakfast and tea. She either didn’t notice or didn’t mind the absence of a balloon arch and photo wall 🤣