Wendy Grace
My wife’s birthday is coming up in the next few weeks. I really want to do something special for her but am stuck for what to do as it’s during the coronavirus restrictions. What advice do you have for celebrating a special occasion during the lockdown?
It’s hard to believe that this is something that people started talking about when Mother’s Day fell just as restrictions began. From birthdays to baptisms there are so many important celebrations that have been put off or delayed. Of course this is really difficult, yet the funny thing is the advice I will give you much of it would be the same whether we were in lock-down or not. The most important thing is showing your wife you love her and making her feel appreciated, and of course celebrating this past year of her life with you and your family. The best way to do this is not by spending lots of money, it’s about spending time an effort, putting thought into the card you write, the cake you might make with the kids and the time you give her to herself on the day to rest and relax.
Lots of restaurants (that are not traditionally take-away) are doing home delivery, so why not bring the restaurant to her on her birthday. Make sure you dress the table with candles and your nice cutlery and china! Spend some time honouring all the positives from the last year of her life, thinking of things you are thankful for and happy memories. It would be great to get the kids involved in this bit too.
If you want to get lots of her friends together, apps like Zoom, House-party and messenger rooms are a great way of getting lots of people together online. Lots of apps allow you to play fun games too. If you think she might fancy something a bit more low key, after your dinner why not organise a spa at home evening, you can get the bubble bath and candles ready. You could order online a nice face mask, scented candles and bath salts to really help her relax.
Be sure to involve other family members by setting up a group video call, It might be nice to present the birthday cake during this call and everyone can enjoy the obligatory happy birthday and blowing out the candles You could also ask a few of her girlfriends to record and send you some happy birthday video messages that you can make a compilation of. If you’re not techy you can use a service such as tribute to help you put the clips together.
If your wife is a fan of a particular actor or celebrity, the website CAMEO allows you to search for specific actors, sports stars and musicians who can do a personalised birthday message for her. For whatever gift you are planning on buying make sure to order it well in advance as most providers delivery times are slower than usual.
Why not also make plans for when the restrictions are easing – you can print off an IOU for a dinner or other activity to do, please God before the summer is over.
If you took even some of this advice, I am pretty sure that this birthday would turn out to be one of her best yet! And remember, one thing that no mother will ever be disappointed with is a lie-on and a quiet breakfast in bed!