+1 on the trip idea. It can be a nearby resort or a trip overseas, doesn't really matter because both are celebratory. I didn't mind turning 50 but I'm not an event person at all. So I scheduled the trip myself.

Well in advance of husband's 50th, I contacted friends & family, who live here and all over, and asked if they would send a card. I am the one at home who usually goes to the mail box, so as the cards starting arriving, I put them aside. I then stuffed them all back into the mailbox on his actual birthday, and asked him to bring in the mail. 50-60 cards, it was fun for him to go through them. He's not really a guy who likes parties. And it didn't ask too much of others so most people participated.

Anonymous wrote:I turn 50 in May and I'm totally depressed about the day I have a wonderful life and family, it's just hard to believe that I'm turning 50. We're going to the Caribbean for Spring break - that's our big hoopla.

What is about turning 50? On a brighter note, Laura Linney turns 50 next month, and just had her 1st baby at 49!

As someone who sweated through the same thing recently, I can assure you that it's much easier once the day finaly arrives and passes.

I turn 50 in May and I'm totally depressed about the day I have a wonderful life and family, it's just hard to believe that I'm turning 50. We're going to the Caribbean for Spring break - that's our big hoopla.

What is about turning 50? On a brighter note, Laura Linney turns 50 next month, and just had her 1st baby at 49!

I don't know if it is a trend, but a number of people that I know have been really low key about turning 50 and have avoided the typical, big celebrations.

Go away and stay at resort in a warm place.

50 is a milestone birthday for everybody but I also think it's an age where you can relax and feel free to do what YOU would like to do on YOUR day. Happy Birthday, OP!!

I don't want a to-do either. Perhaps a trip, but mine is before Christmas and since I will have middle-school kids, that's not likely.

What I wanted to do for my 40th (but forgot…can't believe it, now it's almost 50) is have tea at a nice hotel with my girlfriends who are older than me (and maybe make an exception for two who are younger but just barely). They are from different social circles so only know each other in passing or not at all. (or they might know be friends with one other person, but you get the idea)

I wanted to give a little toast about why each of them are there and how they influenced my life. And they'll get a chance to meet each other.

My only trick is that I've got one who has worked really hard to back away from another one, and doesn't want to spend any time with her or renew the friendship. So I guess I'll just invite both but let everyone know who is coming, so people can make up their own minds. That's the nice thing about being older; we know not to jump into the drama, LOL

We took a family trip to a place of my choosing. Extended family members seemed fine with that.

I was going to have a moderate party: 25 friends and family at restaurant. But, that was on a day with bad weather, and it had to be canceled....For me, it seemed reasonable to make a bigger deal, as 50 is more of a milestone when one may be beating the odds with cancer.

We went on a big trip. But nothing big on the day itself.

I am with you OP. I am a few years from 50 but DH turned 50 this year and he was adamant about no parties. I hate them too. I much prefer a quiet day alone and a low key dinner with immediate family or 1 or 2 close friends.

Instead of spending money on a big party maybe you, dh and DC could spend a nice weekend somewhere like Wintergreen - you could enjoy some pampering at the spa there.

Of course, nothing wrong with a nice quiet day spent with your family, either.

Perfectly fine to say you are having a quiet day with your family, and do just that. I prefer that to an "event" anyway.

What did you do to celebrate 50? I don't want to do anything... just keep it small. I want to spend the day doing something like going to get a massage but BY MYSELF. And then maybe dinner with my DH and DC. That's it. DH says that family is asking what we are doing to celebrate 50, party, etc... and he says we have to do something or people will think he's horrible. I'm having trouble with 50 - don't know why. But I really don't want a big celebration at all. What did you do to celebrate?