Lockdown has stopped a lot of things, one being celebrating getting a year older with your friends and family. It was my mum’s birthday on the 1st of June and unfortunately the plans we did make for making lockdown a bit more exciting got cancelled. So not only could my mum not go out and celebrate but she couldn’t have the afternoon tea she booked to be delivered to the house either.
I appreciate that this is not important in the grand scheme of things and there are definitely much larger things going on. However, I believe every single person should feel special on their birthday, lockdown or not.
Therefore, the idea for this post was created. I thought I’d share the things we did to make her birthday exciting and also some different ways that you can make your loved ones day a lot better. Even if you don’t have a birthday coming up (or don’t know anyone who does) these things are also applicable to anniversaries, special occasions or simply just making someone’s day that bit more special.
Breakfast
The best way to start off someone’s day right is breakfast (or that is my opinion anyway seeing breakfast/brunch is my absolute favourite). My sister and I made these waffles for my mums birthday.
Some of my breakfast suggestions include: Pancakes, Full Scottish Breakfast, Avocado and Bacon with a poached egg on toast (really stereotypical I know) or a bowl of natural yoghurt with granola, fresh fruit (often strawberries and raspberries or banana) topped with lots of honey.
Friends and Family
During lockdown we all miss interacting with people outside of our household. So why not make someone’s day a bit more special and different to all the others through engaging with those we miss the most. You can have someone come visit your garden (correct as of writing this post on the 2nd of June in Scotland), create a surprise zoom call or even create a short video with little messages from family and friends. Even something as simple as a chat over a wall can bring a smile to that persons face. These gestures don’t need to be large, the smallest of things can make the biggest difference.
I think in these circumstances it is remembering that each person will feel comfortable doing different things. So, if someone doesn’t want to visit don’t feel ashamed or heartbroken. These things take time and it definitely doesn’t mean that they aren’t thinking about you.
Do Something Special
Even with the lack of resources it doesn’t mean you can’t do something to make that day extra special.
For example, my mums afternoon tea was cancelled so we decided to make our own at home with bits and bobs from Tesco. Making sure she was sitting down and relaxing while we did the stressful bit. We even used her old china which was handed down to her and has been in a box for far too long.
Another great thing to do is hang up banners and balloons. Something to lift their spirits when the day might not be how they expected.
I think the most important thing to do is to keep that person busy. If you are looking for some different things to keep you occupied check out this post. Maybe try some baking or think of their favourite thing to do and put it indoors/in your garden. You could even recreate their favourite restaurant.
Sentimental Gifting
I think now is one of the best times to gift something sentimental. Even something as little as some flowers or a card with a nice handwritten message in it has a great sentiment to it. If you wanted to go the extra mile you could gift a box with your favourite memories together or create a photo album; a great way to reminisce, even when you aren’t together.
I hope these suggestions have come in handy and if you have a special day coming up I hope can you enjoy it.
Also, if you have any other suggestions that you’d like to input just mention them below.
Much love,
Sophie x
Sophie's Edit 