Big parties are not yet allowed, so how do you plan to celebrate your child’s birthday during the pandemic? Get some tips from this pro event planner mom.
What can you read in this article?
- How the pandemic put a pin on her daughter’s first birthday party
- Mommy Marie shares tips on how to celebrate your child’s birthday during the pandemic
I used to be a working mom in one of the biggest hospitality chains in the world which has a 5-star hotel in Metro Manila. This has been my profession for more than ten years.
This pandemic however led me to one of the most rewarding and heartwarming jobs in the world, I am now a full-time mom – with a side business.
Allow me to tell you the story of how we celebrated our daughter’s first birthday during the pandemic, and a little backstory.
Planned party put on hold
It is that time of the year again and we are blessed to celebrate my daughter Mara’s second birthday safe and complete this May. As we are in unprecedented times, we have not thought of how this pandemic truly changes how we celebrate our milestones.
Last year, I was already prepared for Mara’s first birthday party. It was something my husband and I looked forward to with excitement.
As early as January – down payment for the venue, party kiosks were already made, invitations were already sent out and all of us were really looking forward to being together with our family and friends.
Image from the author
It was also the time where my sister who lives abroad will come home to be with us. However, when things took a turn, I had to reassess how we could celebrate it safely and intimately.
Being in the hotel industry for more than ten years, it was a joy for me to prepare for such parties and reunions. So I applied my skill set, paired with my motherly instincts to make celebrating my daughter’s birthday during the pandemic work.
It was the perfect time to put on our creative hats and think of the many possible ways to still make it special.
How to celebrate your child’s birthday during the pandemic
Apart from checking what’s available in our home like bringing out the nice plates and utensils that were always locked up in the cabinets, let me share my stress-free and fun preparation process for birthdays or any special milestone to celebrate.
Find the best suppliers (people you know and work with)
First, I sought suppliers who were affected by the pandemic. I ordered from colleagues who had to create businesses to make ends meet during that difficult time (cake, food trays, party favors). Patronizing and supporting your colleagues would be greatly appreciated.
Should you have favorite restaurants or food in mind, be familiar with their party trays and bento meals available to enjoy in your homes. These are also some of the new normal ways that restaurants offer to reach us in our celebrations.
Choose a theme to make the decor pop
Mara helping with her party decorations | Image courtesy of the author
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Second, I opted to buy decorations that I can reuse once this pandemic is over, like party banners, string lights, and paper lanterns which are in line with the theme of my daughter’s birthday party. Balloons were also a nice touch to make the kiddie party come alive.
Think of a theme that best represents the personality of your child, or maybe the parents could also jot down several themes and land on the perfect one to start. There are also numerous suppliers that offer thematic decorations in a box at a good price and they will send you the party favors in boxes that you can DIY at home.
What online platform to use
Lastly, I also did it virtually via my preferred tool which is Zoom. The best way to celebrate now is the safest way – use the available technology at home. I invited my family and friends to attend and witness the cake blowing and the opening of gifts online.
We also sent them food bento/trays to enjoy. There are also various games and online activities available in the internet should you wish to add to your virtual celebration. You may also send out packages to your attendees together with the food so they may also enjoy and feel the moment or celebration.
When we look back, it will most likely be one of the most memorable celebrations, although intimate it will still be special because we did it out of our own effort and love
Although this is the new normal we are experiencing nowadays, what is important is that we are steadfast in following safety protocols so next time we get to celebrate again face to face.
Don’t let the pandemic paralyze you from finding joy in the milestones spent at home. Be creative and always stay positive.
Image courtesy of the author
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Marie Valencia is a first-time mom to a two-year-old toddler and married to a quality engineer. They are all residing in Manila. After working in the hotel and hospitality industry for 10 years, she resigned to focus on being a mama and start her own events company.