In the past, many people celebrated their birthdays by gathering with their close friends and family to have a party. However, because of the coronavirus outbreak, we are not able to meet with other people. Still, there are ways that people all around the world celebrate their birthday, virtually.
One way people are now celebrating birthdays is by eating dinner with their family members who live with each other. By doing this, people can enjoy time with their household and still stay safe. It may be hard to go out and buy food in-person, so ordering online and having the food delivered to someone’s house can be another option. Also, decorating someone’s home with balloons and a banner can make it feel more like a birthday party.
Another option is to have friends come over to one’s house and leave a present for them on their door-step. This way, there is no physical contact whatsoever, which can ensure the safety of everyone. It may be hard for someone to go out and buy something special, but ordering online can solve the problem. Meeting at someone’s doorstep, socially distanced, is also a way to talk to a friend or family while staying six feet apart and wearing masks. It allows people to catch up with each other and talk about something they enjoy.
A third idea to celebrate is to have a Zoom party. By inviting family and friends to join a Zoom call, the host can see their faces and listen to their voices all in one place. Though they are not physically in front of them, all of the people that they care about will be safe and have a smaller chance of getting the virus.
Christine Nam, who is in 7th grade and currently attending Rosemont Middle School, whose birthday was during quarantine, explains, “Having a birthday during the COVID times was disappointing, especially because it was the year I was finally becoming a teenager. I didn’t expect much, but I still wanted to be with my friends. Friends singing happy birthday to me outside my door, and being with my family was definitely better than nothing, but not the same as how I would’ve liked. Giving others presents as well, was not the same. Socially distancing, awkwardly standing apart from each other, only talking for a few seconds. Doing this because of the coronavirus just made me feel sad. I couldn’t celebrate their birthday fully as well as mine.”
Though many people are disappointed about the current situation, spending time with one’s family members and friends, even for a little bit, can change ?he experience. Celebrating someone’s birthday is important because it’s an occasion for appreciation and festivity. However, in order to prevent the spread of the virus, staying socially distanced and spending time virtually or with family can make a birthday special in its own way.
