2020 brought forward a pandemic that none of us expected. It has changed the way we live our daily lives for more than half of this year. We have adapted to wearing masks everywhere we go. Also, we are frequently advised to socially distance and continuously wash our hands. However, we weren’t advised on how to properly celebrate the ones we love and their birthdays. When quarantine started in March, and there were federally enforced lockdowns, people found many new and creative ways to celebrate things such as birthdays.
Some of the creative ways I witnessed people celebrating birthdays included virtual zoom parties, parades of cars dropping off bottles, or honking as they passed the person’s house, even giant signs in one’s yard. All creative, but not as effective when it comes to celebrating.
I am turning 21 this year. One’s 21st birthday is typically a momentous milestone birthday — the birthday where you become legally able to drink. Typically celebrated by college students with a night full of drinks and going to clubs where you can utilize your new-found freedom to purchase the fancy beverages you’ve never been able to buy before. However, COVID-19 has brought about this new era of 21st birthdays.
Rather than going out to clubs – which aren’t currently open as much as they used to be, you’re faced with the reality of either not celebrating or celebrating less excitingly. Personally, I’m okay with hanging out with a few friends at home on my birthday (yes, even my 21st), rather than going out to a bar to risk my health and the health of my friends. But I have had friends who have felt sorry for me. Sorry for the fact that I am turning 21 at a time when I can’t go out to a club and refuse to go out to a bar. Being content with staying in and celebrating will make for an excellent 21st birthday for me. I’m not risking my safety or my friends for a celebration of myself. Although I feel many people will be sad or go out anyway, I don’t think that’s wise or fair. We’re college students living through pandemic and virtual classes. It’s okay to be upset, but there are so many ways to celebrate at home without taking the massive risk.
To everyone who’s turning 21, or celebrating any birthday during this time, happy freaking birthday. I hope your decisions bring you good memories, good people, and no COVID.