How to Celebrate a Birthday During the Pandemic?

Is the birthday of your best friend, colleague or teammate coming up? Or maybe your own birthday? Then you can't let it pass without celebrating! But due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is not wise or even allowed to come together in a group, especially if there are people in the so-called 'risk-group'. Depending on how many people you want to invite, you can organise a Corona-proof birthday party. In this article, we tell you about some possibilities.

Digital birthday

Do you want to celebrate the birthday of a colleague or teammate, and do you work at a big company? Then throw him or her a digital birthday party! Share an invitation via ZOOM, Skype or Teams to all your colleagues/teammates and jump in together at a specific time. Invite the birthday-boy/girl for a 'work or team meeting', so that it will be a big surprise when he/she enters the conversation room. And don't forget to decorate the room with some festive decorations (Dutch: feestversiering), like garlands and balloons (Dutch: ballonnen), and to sing him/her a happy birthday!

Looking for a fun platform to celebrate a virtual birthday? Then use the app 'Houseparty'. Houseparty is the next best thing to hanging out in person. For example, you can play some fun games together, such as Pictionary.

'Offline' birthday party

Celebrating your own birthday? Then there is an option to celebrate it 'offline', but only if you invite a small group of friends/family (max. 6 people). Just make sure that you and your family/friends keep their 1,5 m distance at any time. If possible, celebrate your birthday in the garden!

Do you want to invite more people? You can also celebrate a sit-down birthday at the park. We strongly encourage you though to not invite that many people and to make sure that everyone keeps their 1,5 m distance. Ask everyone to bring their own cup (that you can fill) or even their own booze, so that people don't have to touch the same bottles. And remember: no hand-shaking or kissing. Blowing kisses or waving - yes awkward, but reality - is the new way to go!

Celebrating your birthday during the pandemic is a whole new experience, but not impossible. Just make sure that everyone keeps their distance in order to stay safe and sound!