What do YOU do to make your birthday feel a little bit more special?

[polkadotty2]

Hit me up. I’ve taken the day off work…

Have a nice bath or shower, wear something special.
Go out for a nice lunch with Prosecco. Have a couple of phone calls with friends organised if I can’t meet them.

I take the day off. This year I went shopping (which I never do), booked in a massage then meal and cinema with DH.

Buy yourself a treat of course!

Is it today? Happy birthday! If you don't need to drive anywhere I would honestly spend it getting pissed!!

I am retired but we are careful with money so my dh will go to golf as usual. I am going to go to Costa, have a piece of cake and read a magazine - I love people watching and don't go out much so this is a real treat. Probably have a pub meal in the evening together.

I like days out, so I'd plan something, or go somewhere different. I'd have food and drink that I considered special. I'd do something just for me. Sounds stupid but getting ready would involve at least a new nail varnish. My birthday is March though and it's sometimes snowing. So my day out has been a aquarium/theatre/cinema etc.

And of course many happy returns to you.

If I’m not on holiday then I plan something nice in the evening such as a night out with friends. My last birthday was a lockdown birthday so I had tapas from a local restaurant.
I also like to have a really luxurious bath with my Christmas toiletries.

Champagne and croissant in bed for breakfast. See the family.

I’m assuming you’re by yourself. If that was me I’d wear something nice and go out for coffee and cake, followed by shopping for my birthday present to me, lunch, maybe the cinema, then home to get pissed, as PP so eloquently put it.

I’m going for a dip in the sea this year, followed by a pint and chips!

I always take the day off. If DH isn't off too I will usually find somewhere new to walk the dog (like an arboretum). My birthday is November so not the best but I've been lucky to usually have dry weather. I'll always treat myself to a hot chocolate and an audiobook whilst I walk. Then, I just generally do whatever takes my fancy. No guilt to anyone else or obligations. If I want to watch Harry Potter for the millionth time, I will. If I want a mid week bottle of wine with dinner, I will. Sometimes I go to the cinema by myself (which I love doing, but do rarely). Generally just a personal indulgence.
I don't do: laundry, vacuuming or chores that can wait

I usually have my favourite takeaway in the evening.
I also ensure the day involves cake!
Personally, if I had a day off I'd have a wander into town and treat myself to a new book.
Happy Birthday 🎉

Favourite food for breakfast, lunch and supper - possibly one of those meals out. Spa treatment in the afternoon.

I buy myself a treat like a cream cake/eclair,get a takeaway once kids are in bed & this year I'm treating myself to a nice necklace(it's only €20) from my kids,single mom,dad not involved,this is new for us so as my first birthday as a single mom I'm making myself feel special with something I want 😀

Happy birthday!

I'd go for a lovely walk, go looking for beautiful things, have nice food, avoid work, maybe visit a bookshop, take photos.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

Birthdays are just weird emotionally aren’t they.
January is an underwhelming month.

Social media makes it more emotionally weird. I share a birthday with several others on SM who get hundreds of wishes etc, I’m not particularly active (I use messenger but probably only post once or twice a year, if that) so not sure why I’m surprised when I only get a couple of wishes. These things shouldn’t be important and I know that yet why do I feel weird about it? Like forgotten about. I’m early 30s, have had to move around a lot with work so never in once place long (yet) but have a satisfying and fulfilling career, one that people generally respect. I suppose that’s the main thing I have going in my life, yet of course work is just work. I’m rambling, I’ll stop. I have much to be grateful for so not sure why I always feel a bit weird on birthdays.

The plan so far is:
Fancy chocolate and nuts from Christmas gifts for breakfast
Prosecco and a nice bath
Walk nearby - maybe in the woods or drive to a beauty spot, by the waterfall etc
Maybe a chippy lunch by the seaside.
Fine dining in the evening with the partner.

As I say I have a lot to be grateful for (but why do I keep having to remind myself of this…)

Wear a badge!
Even if you’re alone all day, wear a birthday badge.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Sounds like a bloody lovely plan, OP.

Yes, birthdays can be weird. Pressure to be happyhappy.

How about you give yourself permission to feel how you do, do what you like, dream however you fancy, just for today?

@ArabellaScott thank you, I think I needed to read that. Hope you have a lovely Friday too x

I am laughing at wearing a badge all day, even on your own in the house!

I bought myself a cake this year, and some earrings, had food of my choice, and opened a v expensive bottle of wine.

I've never had a day off for my birthday, not possible, (unless it falls on a Sunday) so I've always been working.

January birthdays are usually v underwhelming affairs.

Travel, going somewhere I never been.

I either do it alone or with family. That’s all I desire.

Happy Birthday!!! Fellow Capricorn here. I’ve got a haircut booked and lunch. My DD is making things for me

I got married on it!! Have to do something special now!!

Going to a concert this year and having a 2 night break!!