How to make a Boxing Day birthday special for someone who’s quite down

[Tworoads]

My son is 23 and is living (contentedly I have to add) at home while he saves a deposit for his first house. He’s just finished with his girlfriend and he’s quite down too. His elder brother and soulmate has moved away and is all loved up.
My son’s birthday is Boxing Day. I don’t want it to be a miserable day. It’s not things to buy for him that I’m thinking about. I’m looking for suggestions for what we could do to make the day interesting/unusual. Am open to any ideas.

Boxing Day swim in the sea?

Well, what does he enjoy?

Could you have a surprise gathering with his soulmate brother - birthday cake, nice food, movie? My DD shares this birthday - We’ve been ice skating, dog racing which was fun. Tickets to a football/rugby match? Also went to an outdoor lido which was beautifully warm followed by pizza.

Thank you for writing on this thread! Didn’t think anyone would reply!
Hes a creative person (loves painting, sketching, Lino printing, ceramics), travelling (budget won’t stretch to a foreign city break), football ( Man City seasoncard holder but they are not playing at home on Boxing Day), sports.
Hes not an adrenaline junky, gets motion sickness on ships etc.
We live in the north west of England.

What's his favourite food?

Probably a vegetarian dish - a curry or risotto.

Boxing Day gathering of his favourite people, favourite meals. I have a Christmas break birthday (30th) and it’s pretty miserable I must admit. Boxing Day is harder I’d imagine, trying to gather people when they’ve got family commitments etc. Restaurants / shops will be open, so you guys could do something together if no friends available

We always host Boxing Day as it’s dcs birthday.

We have all the family over & any friends for chilli, curry, tagine etc which is a change from the day before. And a huge birthday cake for them & sil whose birthday is Christmas Day.

We play board games & cards & watch the football. It’s hard work as there are around 30-40 people but it’s nice to have everyone over in the Christmas season.

Im glad we started the tradition as it makes dc feel special as it’s such a rubbish time to have a birthday.

Is there racing on? A friend is Boxing Day & he always went to the races.

Take him to a show or concert. I’ve taken kids to panto in the past and it was great.

Wow! Thank you! Lots to be going on with there!

DHs family always do a Boxing Day walk with hot chocolate and cake on the beach. It’s not anyone’s birthday, it’s just something they began doing a long time ago. Another friendship group do a walk up to a big hill and have a whiskey up there - is he in to something like that?
Food hamper? Does he like a art project- could begin by buying things for it on Boxing Day?

Or is there a point to point near you? I did that one year and it was great fun.

What’s he getting for Christmas? Is there anything in that you could build on. EG say he’s getting a potters wheel for Christmas so you could give him a bunch of stuff for that and invite family round for a clay party or something (I have no clue about this stuff)!

@Elieza nor do I!!!! I have got him some tuition on throwing pots but it’s not until mid January as they are closed (understandably).
Hes into running, did the Manchester marathon. So is his beloved big brother actually. I don’t suppose there’s any filthy tough mudders on Boxing Day…
He’s completely teetotal but that wouldn’t stop us going for a walk with the lab puppy. 👍
Such a shame he split with his girlfriend! They had loads of joint plans. Darn it. Unlikely to get back together sadly so we’ll have to rise to the occasion!

It's my sons birthday on boxing day too ,it is a crap birthday we always have a family party for him.

What ever else you do, do a BBQ.

Mulled wine fave BBQ food in the winter is amazing

@Redkatagain BBQ?? Sounds crazy…but it might be just what we need!