Do you remember when you were a kid, counting down the months, the weeks, then the days for your birthday to arrive? When the day finally arrived, you were so eager for your birthday party to start because you would see all your favorite people. I know for me, birthday parties were a big deal! It was that time of year when all you family came together to celebrate you. I remember looking out the window all day long waiting for my guests to show up. Once they finally did, which was usually later in the evening, my party consisted of non-stop playtime with the cousins, food, and of course, cake. My mom would throw these parties for my siblings and I every year, without fail. I still look back and to me, those memories are golden! Now don’t think these parties included elaborate and fancy decorations. They were definitely not your Pinterest-style party. They were simple, however, as far as I was concerned, they were the best!

Today, those memories have been circulating through my head. Not only because today is my birthday, but also, because I can’t see my mom. Unfortunately, I am sad to report that I HAVE COVID… ON MY BIRTHDAY!!! Yes, that is right, my friends… I have COVID, on my birthday! Regardless of the fact that I am a little bummed out, I am still so thankful for another year of blessings.

If you are not familiar with my story, I do have four daughters, which means, I have four birthday parties to throw from April to July. With COVID still being around, I was a little nervous about one of these parties not being able to be executed. However, we managed to have all four parties as expected and celebrated all four of my daughters with our dearest family members. With that said, since I do have children whom I am committed to celebrate for, and also have my mom’s birthday a week before mine, by the time my birthday comes around, I am so over the party mood. This brings me back to why I miss my mom so much today. It is normally a week before my birthday when my mom starts asking me about my birthday plans and pretty much pressures me into having a birthday party. I really have no other choice. If I say no, she will likely still plan something. Although I’m not the type to like surprise parties, I always enjoy celebrating with my loved ones. Well, not this year, my friends. This year, I must stay home in complete isolation. I am actually being a bit dramatic in my choice of words. With my family of six, I practically have a full party and have no room for loneliness, even if I wanted it.

This year, I must give huge props to my husband. With the help of my sweet in-laws, he created that special birthday celebration my mother did for me for many years (on a much smaller scale). It was so special and meaningful. Although yes, I am sad that I couldn’t celebrate my birthday with the one who gave me life, I am most definitely counting my blessings more than ever. I am so thankful for this husband and beautiful daughters I have who truly made me feel like a queen today.

If you are stuck in this same boat and are having to cancel your birthday party this year due to COVID or whatever other reason, let me share with you 3 easy and very simple ways to make your birthday celebration special during this isolation period. If my husband, who is not the creative type can pull it through, I’m sure many of you can too.

1. Order a cake and have the bakery customize the message for you.

Nothing says “Happy Birthday” like a birthday cake with your name on it. My amazing in-laws helped my husband get this cake and dropped it off at my front porch. To say I was delighted when I saw it, is an understatement!

2. Set up a cute backdrop with a banner and balloons for pictures.

Every birthday is special, even at a time of illness. Remember this day by taking lots of pictures. With my husband’s help, I created this simple backdrop by adding balloons I had laying around, a recycled birthday banner and paper fans from my mom’s birthday party, and a house plant I had to add some greenery to my picture. I think they came out so cute!

3. Order take-out from one of your favorite restaurants.

Guys, there is no cooking allowed on your birthday, specially if you are the primary cook in your household. Ok, I get it, some people love to cook. Some of us, who cook almost the entire year, really enjoy the break that comes from that one special day of the year. (I am totally kidding. Sometimes, it sure seems that way though.) Anyway, nobody should be cooking while they are sick, specially on their birthday. We ordered take-out from Texas Roadhouse. Although I am not a big steak kind of person, I do love their Caesar salad and baked potato. Also, please ignore the dark meat. Yes, it is dark. Yes, it is dry. And yes, I enjoy it that way! As the famous saying goes… “I don’t always eat New York strip steak, but when I do, it is well done.”

A final note... birthday parties can be as big or small as you make them. Sometimes, they don’t come out as planned. Sometimes, you are surrounded by all you favorite people. Other times, it is just you and your dog. Sometimes, they are big and glamourous. And yet others, they are small, simple, and so meaningful. However you spend your next birthday, I hope it is a special as you are.

As always, thank you for stopping by!

-Maria