Many will likely remember the excitement they felt the night before their birthday. They couldn't sleep because they couldn't wait to unwrap the gifts, attend the party, be in the company of the guests and have fun. As adults, some of that magic is often lost, especially when you find yourself celebrating alone. The prospect of a lonely birthday (whether it's your choice or necessary) doesn't have to put you down, though. Read our tips on how to best enjoy a birthday in solitude. You can decide to celebrate at home or unplug from everything and everyone.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Organize the Party
Step 1. Try to calculate how much time you can dedicate to the celebrations
Nobody likes to work on their birthday (even if the profession is fulfilling and the colleagues are fantastic). Despite this, as adults, most of us have to get up when the alarm goes off and struggle to the office, even though the urge is at an all-time low. As you prepare for the celebrations, take a look at the calendar to find out what day the birthday falls on - you'll understand how much time you can carve out for yourself.
- Maybe for a good part of this special day you will be stuck at work. However, check the agenda to see if you can go out a little earlier than necessary, pop into your favorite bakery or give yourself a little more time to have breakfast at home.
- Obviously, if you'd rather sleep until the last minute possible in the morning (and even more so on your birthday), look at your agenda. Maybe you can afford a longer lunch or get out of work a little earlier than usual.
- If you can take a vacation or go away to dedicate a couple of days to yourself, you might want to take advantage of this special day.
Step 2. You could take a trip for your birthday
If you can, going out of town to party alone is a great way to pamper yourself, go exactly where you want and have some precious free time. Traveling alone means that you don't have to worry about coordinating the organization with someone else, and that you don't have to compromise. If you've always dreamed of lounging on a tropical beach, but your usual travel companions prefer to hike in the woods, grab the ball to go where you want and do exactly what you want.
- If possible, try to arrange your trip a few weeks in advance in order to find good deals. This means you have to make decisions about transportation, hotel reservations and baggage.
- It's always fun to go back to a place you love, but don't discount the chance to visit a whole new destination.
Step 3. Try to get some benefits on this special day
Maybe you are absolutely convinced that it is not the best to hear you sing "Happy Birthday to you" by a group of embarrassed waiters (or maybe you like it, and there is nothing wrong with that!). However, that doesn't mean there aren't many special offers available anyway - you can take advantage of them during this day. In the past, to receive a free dessert or coffee for one's birthday, it was usually enough to say “Today I'm birthday”, and maybe show an identity document. Today, however, most bars and restaurants offer discounts or special birthday offers only to those who request them in advance.
- Over the weeks and days leading up to your birthday, visit the websites of your favorite restaurants and shops to see if they have special offers to customers on these occasions. Maybe you need to join a mailing list and receive letters or a newsletter.
- Alternatively, don't be afraid to walk up to a shop checkout or bar counter. Ask yourself if there are special programs for birthdays.
- Many bars and restaurants have discounts available on birthdays, but don't forget to ask in other places as well, such as the hairdresser or beautician.
Step 4. Decide what you would like to receive as a gift
Sure, you're planning to celebrate the birthday yourself, but that doesn't mean you have to give up on gifts. Consider it a day to dedicate to relaxation, bonuses, pampering and self-celebration. Such a day would by no means be complete without a gift. True, it's nice to be surprised by another person's gift (usually!), But who among us hasn't made the effort to fake enthusiasm for a birthday present that's anything but welcome? Shall we talk about the embroidered unicorn sweatshirt you got from your grandmother last year? The advantage of giving yourself something is choosing exactly what you want.
- You may decide that you want to postpone the purchase of the gift until the actual birthday, especially if you love to go around the shops, shop and want this activity to be an integral part of the celebrations.
- However, if you don't have time for shopping on the big day, or the last thing you want is to waste your precious free time in a mall, then make sure you pick a nice gift in advance so you can unwrap it on your birthday.
- If you shop at a store, ask a salesperson if it is possible to wrap the gift. Sure, it may seem a little silly to you (you know what the package contains, after all), but you are likely to enjoy the ritual of unwrapping a carefully chosen gift.
- Alternatively, choose a special gift for yourself online and be sure to arrange the shipment to arrive before your birthday, or that very day.
- Whatever you buy, choose based on your budget. But keep in mind that you can afford some luxuries. Try to pick an item that you really want, that looks funny, and that you think will make you happy, no matter how frivolous it may seem. Is there something you have secretly always wanted to receive as a gift, but have solemnly sworn that you would never buy it for yourself? For this special day, treat yourself to such a gift yourself.
Step 5. The day before, finalize the final details
When you're getting ready for an important interview or throwing a house party, you definitely go out of your way to take care of cleaning, shopping, choosing clothes and so on before the big day. Your birthday is also a special occasion, and your goal is to make it memorable and relaxing.
- A day or two before the birthday, order the house. For most people, it is difficult to relax in total chaos. You definitely want your home to be an oasis, especially for your party.
- Decorate it by creating a festive atmosphere. You can indulge yourself among festoons and balloons. Another idea is to liven up the space with a small bouquet of fresh flowers (another luxury you probably don't indulge in on a regular basis) or candles.
- Choose what you will wear on your birthday the night before - the clothes should be comfortable and make you feel great.
- If you have breakfast at home and / or take a packed lunch to the office, make all the necessary preparations the night before, so the next morning you don't have to rush.
Part 2 of 2: Celebrate the Big Day
Step 1. Make a special breakfast
On the morning of your birthday, treat yourself to a different breakfast than usual, and maybe even a particularly delicious one. Even if you have to go to work, spend some extra time in the kitchen to prepare a special dish, such as French toast. If you've taken care of all the preparations the night before, you'll cook quickly and find yourself tasting the dish in no time.
Despite being the classic croissant-and-cappuccino type, treat yourself to a pastry and hot drink made with quality ingredients on your birthday. You can buy fine coffee or tea
Step 2. On your birthday, take some time to appreciate the outdoors
On this day, what you have to do is escape from the classic daily routine. To be able to savor every moment of your birthday, plan to leave the house and enjoy a short escape into nature. Exercise and fresh air can help you regenerate, and give you a chance to reflect on the past year.
- You could go jogging in different places in the city or on a nearby green path. Another idea is to organize a longer excursion. Sure you'll have fun in your favorite park or trail, but consider exploring a new area if possible.
- You could also take your bike or take a walk downtown. If you don't have a bike and you live in a big city, find out about municipal sustainable sharing programs. These projects are becoming more and more popular, and they offer you an inexpensive way to visit a place.
Step 3. Make an appointment with yourself
What's the date of your dreams? A quiet evening on the sofa watching old movies and ordering your favorite takeaway? A quiet afternoon at the museum? A dinner in the most elegant restaurant in town?
This lonely birthday should be all about exactly what you want to do. So, whether you decide to stay home or go out, make sure you choose an activity that you find fun or relaxing. Since this day belongs exclusively to you, you don't have to worry about meeting someone else's tastes or preferences
Step 4. Eat all you want at dinner time
One of the advantages of celebrating alone is being able to decide which menus and dishes you will bring to the table. Of course, you should always eat whatever you like. However, when celebrating with other people, you often feel under pressure and adapt to the choices of the diners. If you celebrate alone, however, the decision is in your hands. If you only want to eat birthday cake at dinner time, then no one will stop you!
- If you like to experiment in the kitchen, try to create delicious recipes that make you feel pampered. You can give it a try with sweet potato fries or a pot roast.
- You could even videotape one of your favorite cooking shows in advance and try a new recipe. Cook according to the host's directions and you'll feel like you're at a party (especially if you do it with a glass of wine!).
- If you don't feel like cooking or don't have time to cook, you can order takeaway or go to your favorite restaurant. Make sure you choose a dish you want and enjoy. This day must be dedicated completely to yourself.
Step 5. Choose a special treat for dessert
No birthday party is complete without a treat. If having a whole cake in the refrigerator would tempt you for the whole week and would be an attack on your diet, stop by a bakery and choose a couple of mouth-watering cupcakes. You can also glaze them with "Happy Birthday" by using a pastry bag.
- If you love baking, treat yourself to a homemade dessert from scratch like cheesecake or peach pie.
- Do you prefer to go out for dessert? Go ahead! If you have also decided to dine out, you could choose a restaurant that has delicious desserts on the menu (don't be intimidated, explain to the waiter that it's your birthday - he could offer the house). Alternatively, it would be fun to go elsewhere and order dessert and coffee (or glass of wine).
- If desserts don't drive you crazy, then choose a nice cheese plate accompanied by a quality wine. In short, opt for something that you like and that you would not eat every day.
- If you are celebrating your birthday alone because you are physically away from friends and family, take advantage of this moment to hear them on FaceTime or Skype. Put a candle on the dessert and let them dedicate "Happy Birthday to you".
Step 6. Unplug and relax before bed
Towards the end of the day, find a way to unwind and pamper yourself a little more. Take a hot shower or a long bath. Among the birthday gifts, you could buy a new particularly soft and comfortable pajamas. We hope we have given you some ideas to experience one of the best birthdays of your life!
