No matter how old we get, birthdays can always be special. Even though I do not love admitting my age as much as I used to, I still enjoy a good celebration; and, I never cease to feel special when people make a big deal out of my day. However, when someone else is celebrating a birthday – someone to whom I am not extremely close – I tend to say a quick, “Happy Birthday,” and then move on with my day. That is something I can change. I can certainly take more initiative to spread extra cheer! Even something as simple as a coffee or e-card can make a difference!
Here are a few ways we can spread birthday blessings!
- Be the one who always remembers. My Aunt Faye is amazing. She is the queen of remembering dates, and she got it honest. My grandma used to be the queen, but she passed her crown on to my aunt. Each year, no matter what, I can always count on a card or phone call from Aunt Faye; and, I know she does this for dozens of people. Knowing Aunt Faye will remember means a lot to me, and since she is not on Facebook, I know she remembers!
- Have a signature birthday treat you fix (or buy) for your close friends and family. What do you look forward to every birthday? Do you enjoy your favorite cake or a delectable Crème Brule from your favorite restaurant? Maybe you could become the chocolate covered strawberry lady or the German chocolate cake man and give the people in your life a reoccurring gift to look forward to each year. Honestly, I would love someone to supply me with one small bag of skittles on each birthday – that would excite me!
- Give the gift of time. As people age, their tastes in gifts change. Children love toys, sweets, games, and books. Giving an eight-year-old boy the gift of no chores for a week would devastate him – at least, if that was his only However, a twenty-eight-year-old may want nothing more! Offering to complete time-sucking tasks for the birthday boy or girl is a terrific way to be a blessing.
- Compile some memorable stories, quotes, and compliments you have about the birthday boy or girl. Organize these meaningful words into a book and give it as a gift. These are the types of sentimental presents a person can return to again and again. One birthday, Eric had our guests say something they appreciated about me or tell a story about me and, for me, it was the best portion of the party. I still remember most of what was said!
- Plan the day. If you are close the birthday guy or gal, plan out the entire day with one meaningful event after another. Make the day about his or her favorites (e.g., food, parks, stores, colors, etc.) and special hobbies. Eric especially appreciates when I plan out the sequence of events for his birthday.
Perhaps the best way to determine how to be a birthday blessing is by asking ourselves what we want on our birthdays. Some of the gestures I appreciate include:
- Coffee or ice cream with a friend.
- Being taken out to lunch.
- Lots of texts and Facebook messages.
- Going to the mailbox and finding a handwritten card.
- Surprises from Eric.
- Hearing Mom tell me about the night I was born.
- And, of course, being handed a brightly wrapped package. ~smile~
There is nothing super extravagant or unique about this list. I just appreciate other people celebrating my life and going out of their way to show their love. My heart aches at the thought of lonely people getting little or no acknowledgment on their birthdays. Imagine how much good we could do if we found some of these folks and took them out for a meal or brought them a special gift!
Is there a way you can go above and beyond to be a birthday blessing this year, not only to your friends and family, but to neighbors, fellow church members, and co-workers? Maybe I can become the Rice Krispie Treat lady, or the unexpected gift lady, or the singing birthday-gram lady?
Think about it and see if any unique birthday blessing ideas come to mind. Join forces with your sweetheart and have a blast with it!
Who has been a major birthday blessing to you and what did he or she do which was special for you?
Picture: iStockPhoto/Fotomatt_hh