Celebrating Your Birthday During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

Written by Alexandra from the YS Health Panel.

Love birthdays? Gutted yours is during the coronavirus outbreak?

Here are some ways to celebrate your birthday at home.

Virtual Parties

GIF of virtual party on a video call

There are apps and websites that let you host virtual parties and gatherings for free.

You could try using Houseparty, an app that lets you host a video chat for up to 8 people, and you can even play party games!

Take a look at our article about staying safe online for more information about how to use Houseparty. 

Games

GIF of Abed from Community saying "I am a dungeon master. I create a boundless world and bind it by rules"

Play online games!

Are you a boardgames fan? You can find online versions of most games on platforms like Steam, such as Catan Universe.

Tabletopia is a free sandbox virtual table where you can make your own games or play existing games.

Missing your Dungeons & Dragons campaigns? Ask your Dungeon Master to host a game over video call and go on a virtual adventure!

Streaming Parties

GIF from The IT Crowd of Moss getting popcorn and a drink

Grab some popcorn and watch a movie (or movies) with your friends remotely.

Get everyone to start the movie at the same time and chat about it. If you have a Netflix subscription, download the Netflix Party extension which synchronises videos and adds a group chat.

Cake

Belle from Beauty and the Beast dancing with cakes

Bake yourself a cake, or buy the ridiculous shop cake you've been wanting!

Plan Ahead

Simpsons gif - marking of 1st day on a calander and saying "1 down, 29 to go"

No matter what you want to plan for the day, make sure you tell friends and family what you would like to do in advance.

Make sure you have everything you need at home before the start of your big day. You can still have a great birthday from the comfort of your own home.

When things go back to normal and everyone is allowed to see their friends again, you could even have a second birthday!

Bonus

Ralph from The Simpsons sayi g "all my friends have birthdays this year"

Do you have a friend who has a birthday coming up?

Send them a card in the mail or an online voucher for a local restaurant or activity they enjoy!

They can redeem it when restrictions are lifted, giving them something to look forward to, and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped a local business. ❤️