Javier Iturrioz, an architect and collector, hosted a birthday gathering in his home for a hundred people, opting for a simpler celebration after experiencing a challenging period marked by personal losses and health setbacks. He expressed his natural inclination to celebrate but felt that traditional grand festivities were not in line with his current mood. After losing two beloved pets, and recovering from a broken finger, he initially had no plans for a large celebration, contemplating saving his energies for a more significant event next year when he turns sixty.

Despite his reservations, the encouragement from friends and family, including a significant push from his husband Leo, led him to organize a gathering at home with home-cooked meals and a select guest list. With guests arriving from places as distant as Atlanta, the birthday became a testament to his relationships and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones during difficult times.

This celebration reflects a broader trend where personal events are tailored to accommodate emotional states and recent life changes rather than adhering to traditional expectations of grandeur, showcasing the importance of personal connections over extravagance in social gatherings.