Celebrating during lockdown

2020 will be remembered for many things, but what if you were hoping it would be memorable for different reasons? Many people will be due to celebrate significant birthdays or anniversaries whilst in lockdown and so we wanted to put together ten top tips for how you can still celebrate whilst in lockdown.

1. Change your expectations early, especially if it is a big birthday or you have already had to postpone or cancel plans. Your birthday won’t be as you expected it, but it can still be absolutely wonderful.
2. There will be opportunities in the future to do those big fun celebratory plans so set aside a ‘fun jar’ and write down all the things you want to do in the future when you are able to, in order to celebrate the big day. You could also create a gratitude jar too and place notes in there for all the things you are grateful for (use this to dip into it on the days when you might not be feeling quote so optimistic about the world).
3. On the day itself do things that make you happy. Change your routine so it feels like a different day; get up late (if you can!), eat breakfast in bed, watch your favourite films, pamper yourself, have a mini disco in the kitchen. Do what works for you to try to make the day stand out from the norm.
4. Arrange calls and video calls with friends and family so you can still see them and celebrate together. If you’re not able to have a big party then maybe try to arrange a zoom call with everyone that evening and you can all play the same playlists and enjoy food and drinks together.
5. A birthday candle makes everything better! If you can, bake a cake or sweet treat (however simple/small) but if you’re not able to make or buy a cake then it’s surprising how just popping a candle in any type of food can make you smile. Plus a birthday wish is a birthday wish whether you’re blowing out a candle on a cake or a candle on an apple.
6. If your child is celebrating their birthday in lockdown then many of the above tips also apply. If you have a parents group on social media for your child’s class then ask if they can share birthday videos and messages. These can also be saved and then looked back on in future.
7. If a loved one is due to celebrate why not speak to your/their neighbours (at a socially acceptable distance or via text/phone) to arrange a mini surprise. A socially distanced street party, street singalong or drive-by are all ways to bring a smile to someone’s face if they’re feeling sad about not being able to go out.
8. Print off photos from previous birthdays or anniversaries and post them up around the house, make sure you take lots this year so you can add these for future memories!
9. Record a happy birthday message if someone you know is celebrating and you won’t be able to see them. You could always play along with musical instruments if you have them, be creative, why not try to play happy birthday on some spoons or use some wooden spoons and upturned pans as drums?!
10. Remember that even if you are on your own, you are absolutely not alone. There will be thousands of people sharing your birthday around the world in the same situation. We’re all in this together.

Let us know if it’s your birthday as we’d love to send you a message from us all at Kidney Care UK. Please share your photos with us on social media and don’t forget to add the hashtag #selfieisolation

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