How to Make A Birthday Special During Isolation
Celebrations and holidays are a really big deal to me. I put in a ton of effort and try and make every occasion from Valentine’s Day, to Halloween, to Birthdays very special for my girls. I pour my heart and soul into creating memorable celebrations for them that they will hopefully remember all of their lives.
The girls birthday are April 16th and April 27th and the entire month usually feels like a birthday celebration! I start working on their birthday parties with them about 6 months ahead of time. They tell me what theme they want ( this year was meant to be princesses for Portia and Descendants for Hermione) and then I get to work dreaming up a perfect fete for them along with my beloved event planner. Beyond their birthday parties there are always other special celebrations with friends and family. This year I was meant to take Portia for Eloise Tea on her birthday which she was so excited for and to her first Broadway show. Hermione and I were going to see Mrs. Doubtfire on Broadway, seeing Broadway shows together is one of our favorite things to do.
When the COVID crisis began and it became clear the girl’s birthday celebrations would have to be postponed this year I was distraught. I felt so deeply sad that along with everything else that was being taken away from them from friends to school to dance class they would also be missing out on their special parties and celebrations. I cried heavy tears as I pictured Portia hugging Cinderella and Belle who were meant to be guests at her party. I mourned for Hermione not getting to wear her Mal costume and make magic potions with her friends. Through my grief and tears I managed to postpone the girls parties until late May. When it became clear that wouldn’t be possible either I pushed them yet again to the fall. It is my sincere hope we will be able to celebrate with family and friends by then and I can give the girls the birthday parties we will have been planning for almost a year!
Faced with a new challenge of celebrating at home, just the four of us I was determined to still give them very special days despite the situation. Portia’s birthday last week was described by her as, “ the best Birthday ever!” and Hermione is equally excited about hers. Here are a few things I learned about how to make a birthday special during isolation:
Dress Up
Even though you will be spending the day at home you can still dress for a celebration.. Portia was in a fancy princess dress all day on her birthday and it made her feel so special. Hermione and I also dressed up! It really lifted my mood and made the whole day feel celebratory.
Decorations
“Signs, don't forget the signs!” I decorated our apartment after Portia went to bed the night before her birthday and she was thrilled to wake up to signs, special table settings, flowers and other surprises!
Make a Menu
From Breakfast to dinner I let Portia' design her dream menu for her special day. Hermione will do the same. Yes, mini pizzas with capers and olives on top and chips and guacamole on the side might not be my idea of a perfect meal but for for the birthday girl it was perfect.
Party Games
My girls love games so we made a list of all the games we would play at our party. Their number one request was “Pass the Parcel.” We make a giant surprise ball with little trinkets we found around the house ( lip gloss, candies, stickers, crystals) and wrapped it all up layer by layer with tissue paper. Even though they knew exactly what was inside they still had so much fun unwrapping each layer.
An Extra Special ZOOM
While I couldn’t give Portia princesses in person I was able to arrange a super special Zoom meeting with Belle and Jasmin for her thanks to New York Princess Party. She had the best time chatting with two of her favorite princesses right from our couch! You could also arrange a virtual craft party with The Craft Studio or even a one on one ballet class for your tiny dance with Dance with Miss Rachel. So many businesses have begun offering their services online you are sure to find something to make your birthday boy or girl feel special!
Celebrate virtually with Friends and Family
Even though you cannot see friends and family in person you can still FaceTime or Zoom with them. Take a cue from your child though as some kids are really feeling Zoom overkill. Portia only wanted a very short Happy Birthday Zoom with a few of her classmates and to FaceTime with a few family members. Hermione wants a Zoom Dance Party with most of her school friends. Ask them who they want to “see” on their birthday and try and really listen.
Don’t Forget the Treats
One not so obvious challenge for me was finding vegan treats that would be birthday worthy. Yes, I am capable of baking a simple cake but the rainbow cakes and cake pops the girls requested were above my capabilities. Luckily I was able to find an amazing baker, Mini Melanie that truly helped make all of the girl’s birthday treat wishes com true. I also felt good knowing I was helping support a small business through this very difficult time.
While this year’s birthday celebrations might not be what I planned they will likely be ones the girls remember forever. I have learned that while they love a big themed party and special outings, celebrating at home with me and Doug is just as special to them. At no point have either of them cried about not having their parties right now. They are both ok that they have to happen later. Portia is still saying that this was her “best Birthday ever” and that really lifts my spirits. Does this mean I won't have big parties for them in the future? Probably not. I am still someone who loves celebrating everything in a big way. What is does mean is I may start to worry less if every celebration always be “perfect” for my kids.
