meta: How to make your next birthday the best ever no matter how many candles are burning on your cake. Follow these birthday ideas to make your day special.
Last week we celebrated the birth of a new year. Maybe you were like me, sitting on your sofa having a champagne brunch, and watching the Rose Parade on TV New Year’s morning. Also like me, you probably already have a long list of resolutions. Nevertheless, here is one more:
Make your birthday in 2023 the best one you have ever had, no matter how many candles are on your cake this year. Therefore, here are some birthday ideas for your own special day.
My birthday is tomorrow, less than a week after New Year’s day. It pops up when I’m still feeling sad about the Winter holidays being over.
In the past, I often returned to school after Winter break on my birthday.
One year, I remember walking into the French classroom my first day back at school from the holiday, and my teacher had written, “Bon anniversaire, Annick!!!”, in large letters across the blackboard. (Annick was my name in French class.)
I’m sure my teacher meant well, and thought having the class sing to me in French was one of her best ever birthday ideas. But for me as a shy teenager, it wasn’t the best start back to school after the holidays.
It’s Your Day!
So never schedule anything that you don’t want to do on that day. Don’t go to the dentist, have a job interview, or meet with your attorney.
It’s a day to let yourself feel special. To let your friends take you out to lunch, or to send you flowers. Feel gratitude for everything. Many of us are so used to helping others, we feel uncomfortable letting anyone wait on us.
Birthday Ideas to Quash the Dread of Growing Older
As we get older, a lot of us start to dread birthdays. At the age of 15, I told my sister-in-law that 25 was over the hill. Ha! She promised to remind me of that when I turned 25, but thankfully she forgot.
Birthdays become a reminder that we’re getting older. Quite a few years ago, I stopped thinking about age. For me thirty was the worst thing that could happen, and now it’s over and gone. I don’t think about my age anymore when my birthday comes around, or on any other day, for that matter.
Scientists are now verifying how much our thoughts control our health and our aging. They have discovered how the plasticity of the brain is not something found only in children.
Include Some of Your Favorite Things
If you think back through your birthday memories. What jumps out at you as your best birthday ever? Use that to jump-start your birthday ideas whether you are planning a special day for yourself, or someone close to you.
For me, it isn’t some big celebration or party. It isn’t even going to a fancy restaurant in the city for dinner. I prefer snuggling up on the sofa with a fire blazing in the fireplace, an afghan covering my legs, a cat on my lap, and a nice cup of tea. And maybe rereading one of my favorite novels. Probably Jane Austin.
It’s knowing for one day I can do or not do whatever I want. Now that I am grown up, I never have to go to school, or work on my birthday if I don’t choose to. If I want to spend the day reading a novel, going for a long walk in the forest, or the beach, I do. It’s my day.
Usually I go out to lunch, and then have chocolate cake after dinner. Without guilt.
Birthday Ideas for Planning a Wonderful Day:
- Take the day off from work or school
- Sleep in
- Go get a coffee, and linger in a cafe talking with a friend
- Let your friends take you out to lunch
- Buy yourself something you’ve really been wanting, but no one else will probably buy you.
- Send your mother flowers. Don’t forget she’s why you’re here.
I love going out to lunch on my birthday. If you don’t have anyone special in your life right now, or your friends are all at work, be brave and go by yourself. Bring along a good book, and go somewhere you won’t feel awkward eating by yourself.
Just Do What Makes You Happy
Maybe you are more extroverted, and you like a big celebration. If that’s you, and you love a party, who better to look to for advice than Martha Stewart? Check out Grown-Up Birthday Party Ideas on her blog.
Or perhaps you like to go to work, and not let anyone know it’s your birthday. Whatever you choose, make it a special day for you. In short, it’s a day to be selfish, and let other people do special things for you. Just remember to do the same for them when their birthday comes around!
If you’re the type to be regularly disappointed you never receive the present you would like, buy it for yourself. Wrap it up and open it at the end of the day. On of my best birthday presents I chose myself. A new sewing machine. It would have been hard for my husband to choose the right one. If you’re thinking a sewing machine might be a nice gift for yourself, check out How to Choose the Best Sewing Machine, for some tips on what to look for.
This is How I Plan to Spend My Special Day
First of all, I’ll sleep in. For me that’s 6:30. Then have tea and breakfast in bed while looking at Instagram. Later, I think we’ll take the ferry to the mainland, and walk to a Seafood restaurant for lunch. Next we can go for a walk, come home, and lite a fire in the fireplace. I’ll probably drink lots more tea, and reread a favorite book until my husband has dinner fixed. Finally we’ll eat chocolate cake and then bed. The perfect day for me!
I hope some of these birthday ideas for introverts will help you celebrate your day. Here’s wishing you all an amazing 2023, especially on your birthday!