How to celebrate your birthday in lockdown

For those whose birthdays have fallen in lockdown this year, thinking of ways to make the day special can be difficult. With my birthday approaching in a couple of weeks and for the sake of my fellow Taurians, who have had their birthday plans crushed, or for those who are wanting to make the day special for someone else, I have thought of a few ways to have a special day from the comfort of your own home.

Food, glorious food

In my house especially, food can make or break a day. Whether it’s lockdown or not, we always make a birthday cake, which is always greatly appreciated by my family of cake lovers and never lasts more than a couple days. Baking a cake is fun to do and a good way to pass the time. Breakfast in bed, a makeshift afternoon tea party, or a takeaway for dinner are some small examples that will make a big difference when spending the day at home.

No more sweatpants!

Day 66 of wearing sweatpants… oh wait a minute! The time has finally come where there is a reason to get dressed up again, even if it is for a day in the house. Finally, an occasion to wear the clothes you have bought online during lockdown. The feeling of getting dressed up (now a distant memory) will make the day feel more special.

Go on a walk or bike ride

Get outside and get some fresh air with your family. Whether you’re in the city or the country, explore the area that you live in while the streets are empty and the sun is shining!

D.I.Y. cocktails

Wish you were celebrating with a cocktail in your hand this birthday? Why not recreate your favourite drinks from home – get the ingredients to make your desired celebratory drink and enjoy it in your new backdoor beer garden.

Play a game

Getting a game out is a great way to have a laugh and get the family together (or break the family apart if it’s Monopoly). A simple game of dominos can descend into chaos as the competitiveness of certain family members is exposed…

Zoom party

Recognise that this may be one of few birthdays where most of the people you would like to celebrate with will be available all day for a catch up over FaceTime or Zoom. You could have a group call with all your friends – do a quiz, play a game and have a drink together.

Watch a film

While we have a lot of free time in quarantine, you could celebrate by watching a film you’ve been wanting to watch for ages or re-watching an old favourite. In our house, we enjoy getting the old camcorder out and watching home films from when we were little.

Have a pamper night

Bring the spa to you! Treat yourself to a soak in the bath, put on a face mask, do your nails and relax. If you haven’t already had enough of relaxing after 6 weeks of it.

Though this may not be the birthday you had hoped or planned for, it will definitely be one that you won’t forget!

Edited by Lauren Wilkins