How do you usually mark your own birthday these days?

B Natural answer

I usually have a small dinner with family or close friends, and I call my family if they can’t be there. I also like to order a cake because it makes the day feel special without being too much. I prefer simple plans now, so it’s relaxing instead of stressful.

Key phrases in this answer

• have a small dinner — to eat a simple meal as a celebration“I usually have a small dinner with my parents.”
• call my family — to phone family members“If they’re far away, I call my family in the evening.”
• order a cake — to buy a cake ahead of time“I usually order a cake a few days before my birthday.”
• keep it low-key — to celebrate in a simple, relaxed way“I like to keep it low-key on my birthday.”
• grab dinner with a few friends — to go out for a meal with some friends“We might grab dinner with a few friends after work.”
• take the day off — to not work for one day“If my birthday falls on a weekday, I try to take the day off.”