Hip Hip, Hooray in lockdown
Review asked residents what creative ways they come up with to celebrate their children's birthday during lockdown.
POLOKWANE – Every year, parents try to make their children’s birthdays as memorable as possible since the occasion only presents itself once a year.
A party is arranged, invitations are sent out and snacks are prepared. This year however, due to the nationwide lockdown, people are not allowed to visit.
Review spoke to parents to hear what plans they made to make their children feel special even though their friends may not come over.
Tracy du Bruyn suggested to ask your child what he or she wants for their birthday and then try and make a homemade version of it.
“If he wants to go to the movies; make a cinema in your house with popcorn and a cooldrink bar. Close all the curtains and play their favourite movie. For a girl, you can create a coffee shop. Place a table and chairs under the tree using decor and furniture. Bake some cupcakes or a cake and a tart and enjoy the day with her.”
She suggests the day should centre around the child.
“Wake them up with flapjacks for breakfast, bake cupcakes and let them decorate it themselves. Have a picnic and make sandwiches and cut them into cute shapes with cookie cutters, or make burgers, whatever their favourite is.”
Leah Davel celebrated her 10th birthday under lockdown. Her older sister, Chignet, prepared some snacks, a homemade card and a special letter along with some decorations to make Leah’s birthday the best.
Another idea comes from Lizelle Bredenkamp who plans a spa party for her daughter.
“I will wake her up with her favourite breakfast in bed as well as a cake. She will be the queen of the day, being spoiled all day. I also plan a modelling show and photoshoot after the spa treatment. Later on, we will make pizzas and end the day with a movie and snacks.”
For a teenage boy having a lockdown party might seem more difficult but technology makes it possible to have fun with friends.
“You can send out invitations for an office party, indicating the meeting time. Every participant has to be dressed in semi-formal wear and then make a conference call using Zoom or Skype. Every guest provides his or her own snacks and drinks and they can play games such as 30 Seconds while enjoying the time,” says Amelia Roux.
Other options include a picnic with the family, boeresport or a scavenger hunt.
Jo-Anne Horkins’ son, Ethan, turned three and she decided to get him to help her bake a cake.
“He enjoyed cracking open the eggs, mix the dough and lick out the bowl. Since we couldn’t invite people over, we took advantage of technology and got the family and friends together for a Zoom session to congratulate him.”
Ethan’s uncle made a car from recycled material and Jo-Anne decorated a table in the backyard for the celebrations and the rest of the day was playtime.
“I learned that children do not need expensive things to have a good day. Roll around and laugh together. Play with your children and give them your undivided attention for a few hours – that is what makes them happy.”
