The coronavirus lockdown (that is yet to come to a full end) has wrecked many holiday plans and put social lives on hold. Right now, anniversaries, baby showers, birthday parties and all kinds of celebrations are not getting their regular attention, no more hugs, kisses; all that most people are getting are a few best wishes over the phone, and that’s it.
However, just because we’re stuck in the house doesn’t mean occasions can’t be celebrated in a special way. Through this pandemic, some people have embraced alternative parties, for baby showers and birthdays.
Nicole Munezero takes her birthday so seriously that she counts down weeks to the day. With so much hype, she couldn’t let pandemic ruin her day.
"I had been planning it for a long time, but due to the lockdown, all plans got cancelled. The coronavirus is a party spoiler but I had to forge unforgettable memories,” she says.
Every year is the same for her, going out, receiving a few gifts and dinner at a restaurant of her choice, but this time a simple meal at home sufficed.
Her family, she says, prepared a three course meal of her choice, set the table and even dressed up for the occasion.
"This time it was only us, but that simple act made us realise that we don’t need large gatherings to have fun. I missed the gifts from friends but at least I had some fun,” she says.
For Joseph Kanamugire, a father of two, while it would sound easy and relieving to downsize birthdays in these circumstances, it’s important that children aren’t left feeling like their lives have been put on hold.
"I don’t want my Taurus children to feel unlucky simply because of a lockdown. So we ordered cake for each of them, sang for them, dressed them up in their favourite outfits. Most importantly, this time it was about what they want and makes them happy, which is different from having a lot of food and many adults around,” he says.
For Carene Uwitonze, who is expecting her second child, the lockdown is the perfect time to do what she loves, taking pictures.
"I occasionally apply make-up and have a ‘photoshoot’ in my compound with the help of my husband. Just having all the time in the world and taking a lot of pictures makes me happy,” she says.
Her friends, she adds have been sending her and her unborn baby gifts, an alternative for her baby shower, since there will be no time for it.
Tips on the perfect celebration
Creativity and the internet is all you need if you still want to have a fun get-together with friends and family. What’s more, a simple celebration can help give a few hours of light relief during this pretty difficult time for us all.
Karaoke
Try a karaoke party. While this method of entertainment often centres around a group of people, a lot of beer and a small room, there are ways to enjoy singing off-key together without actually being near another person. The mobile app ‘Stingray Karaoke’ is one way to do this, and if you get friends involved you can all dial in at the same time through Zoom or another video conferencing programme and take turns belting out tunes.
Involve family and friends
Zoom and the Houseparty app seem to be the most-used virtual socialising tools throughout lockdown. Having friends and family members pop into a digital party space can really add to the feeling of having a celebration, even if the honouree is stationary in front of the computer.
Although the party is virtual, it feels more intimate. It is all about being connected, conversations and laughter.
Send gifts
You don’t need a lot time and money to give someone a gift they’ll love, think about their hobbies and things they enjoy. With this trick avoid a trip to the supermarket and order something special online to be delivered to their door.
Order in favourite foods
Many local restaurants have been keeping business going by offering to-go food. Yes, that even means sushi, and pizza. Online delivery service will deliver professionally cooked meals to your doorstep.
Not only will you get to eat pizza, curry or fish and chips in your pyjamas, but you’ll also help support local businesses.
Make a special video
A more complicated, but potentially even more memorable option, for a birthday could be to make a short video with all of your child’s friends and family sending them good wishes via video messages. Or how about putting together a video of all of their friends singing a line of their favourite song?
Camp inside
Turn your living room into a makeshift camping ground and your child can experience the excitement of sleeping (or at least playing) in a different environment.
You’ll be surprised at how effective blankets and fairy lights that you kept for Christmas, can be in turning an everyday room into something magical.