Birthdays are a special occasion that remind us we are loved. Whether we receive cards, gifts, or just shout outs on social media, birthdays are an opportunity to show our friends and family that we care about them.
The birthday tradition first started as a way to send a message to Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunting and childbirth. They would serve moon-shaped cakes and decorate them with candles, which represented the radiance of the moon and her perceived beauty. Blowing out the candles and making a wish symbolized sending your wish to the gods. This custom continues to this day.
Throughout the centuries, birthday traditions have developed that reflect the cultures of the people celebrating them. Whether it’s pancakes with sprinkles for breakfast, homemade meatballs for dinner, yarn pom-poms decorating the playroom, or a personalized birthday song, these traditions help make each person’s day feel unique and special.
In the United States, the majority of birthdays occur in September and October. This may be because the longest nights of the year happen in these months and there is a holiday season nine months before, or it could be due to the human gestation period lasting approximately nine months.
Birthday celebrations can be a great opportunity to try something new. Whether it’s taking a spin class or signing up for kickboxing lessons, it’s an ideal time to do something that will bring you and your loved ones together and leave you with a great sense of accomplishment.
If you’re looking for a more upscale birthday party venue, there are plenty of restaurants, halls, and hotels that offer elegant options. Depending on the preferences of your guest of honor, an upscale event can be the perfect way to make them feel special on their big day.
A great birthday activity is a trip out of town. Whether you’re going to a different city, state, or country, it’s a great opportunity to see something new and spend quality time with your loved ones.
You can also use your birthday as an excuse to go on a cruise. Sunset and night cruises are both popular options that will leave your guests with memories to last a lifetime.
If a day trip is more what you’re looking for, consider a local adventure. A day trip to a nearby town or attraction can be an easy, inexpensive way to spend your birthday. You can find a list of activities in your area online or ask your favorite local guide to point you in the right direction.
If you’re hosting a virtual birthday party, it’s easy to make the experience more interactive with the addition of fun birthday games. For example, you can play birthday mad libs, where players volunteer word types like verb, adjective, and noun, and the leader plugs them into a story. You can even find downloadable templates to get you started. You can play these games live during your video call or have the group fill them out ahead of time and then share them with everyone.