Birthdays are a big deal. The fact YOU were born should be celebrated! And let me tell you, August has a plethora of birthdays to celebrate.
I like to take my time and really think about the person before I buy or create a gift for them. And sometimes I like to take it up a notch and start off a loved one's birthday with a little extra bang.
A Basket of Balloons
This idea came straight from my mom. She was brave. It was early. I was still asleep. I was not a morning person. I was a teenager...and she woke me up by dumping a basket of balloons on me that she and my brother had spent the morning blowing up. I couldn't help but wake up with a huge smile.
It's been over thirty years since that morning and I still smile when I think about it. That small, but fun gesture instantly made my morning great, and gave me a lasting memory.
Sing a Song of Songs
I did this the other day for a friend of mine (and in my mind, I looked the the photo above)! I did a little research and looked up songs that were popular the year she was born and I made up a song using those song titles.
Then I went on Voxer and gave it my best shot. Each time I came to a song title I tried to sing a verse or two from that song in that song's tune . It was so funny I laughed a couple times in the middle of "singing" (it was not pretty but it was hilarious). But the best part was, she loved it! To hear her laugh and talk about how much she loved it - it was worth every missed note and off pitch sound that came out of my mouth. And it's a memory that will last forever.
Sample: Say Say Say it's your birthday, you're a Maniac a, a maniac on the dance floor, We've Got Tonight, who needs tomorrow, we're gonna celebrate your birthday All Night Long, all night, all night long, oh yeah....
Scavenger Gift Hunt
I'm snagging this tradition from a friend of mine. Every year she hides her daughters birthday gifts around the house and they are given clues to help them figure out where the gifts are hidden. This can take thirty minutes or all day!
You don't have to keep the hunt restricted to just your home. Give clues to places and go with them as they find the next gift - saving the biggest and best for last.
Sample: A riddle on a post it stuck on the bathroom mirror that leads to the kitchen where breakfast and a birthday card sit. On the back of the envelope is a clue to where the next surprise awaits. And so on.
Recite a Poem
Recite a poem - but not just any poem. Make one up yourself!
I wrote the above poem for another friend of mine who is celebrating a birthday this month. She is a writer who loves to read. What better way to create a poem than to use book titles of some of the most popular books written.
Once again, I went on Voxer and recited the poem, but I didn't just read it to her. I added an intro. (If you do this in person you could literally set the stage.)
Mine went a little like this:
In a deep voice: "Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3, testing, testing. OK, everyone be quiet, everyone be quiet. For our first poetry open mic night reading we have Rebecca Pappas reciting a new poem, Celebrate Your Birthday."
Sounds of cheering and applause.
Regular Voice: "Thank you, thank you. Shari, this one's for you."
Recite the Poem
It was a load of fun and she loved it! Another great memory for the books.
Decorate their Car
Photo by Stephanie Hau
The morning is the same as every other day except today you have a pastry - because it's your birthday. There are a few happy birthday wishes then it's time for the kids to get ready, put a quick swipe of gloss across your lips, hand out lunches, and give kisses goodbye. Just another day.
Until...
You walk outside and see your family standing next to your car which is covered in balloons and confetti and there's an over-sized card sticking out from under your windshield wiper. The day just got a lot better. When it's finally time to go you get a little teary eyed when you open the car door and see the best handmade gift ever sitting in the seat of your car. It's a great start to your birthday.
Go a little further for birthdays. Make it special. Make memories. Let the person know you are glad they were born and you're here to celebrate with them.
Rebecca~
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