Springtime in Southeast Michigan means warmer weather (hopefully), trees and plants begin to bloom, people drag out their classic cars for cruising Woodward Avenue, and baseball season begins.
There are a lot of spring “babies” in my family, including myself, and although my name is April, I was born in May (ha, ha, I know). Before you even ask…my name is April because my mom loved the meaning – spring, new life, new beginnings.
My mom’s birthday is in early April; my grandfather’s (Papa) birthday is the last day of April; and mine is two weeks later. Since we all love watching or playing baseball, the rest of the family would often plan a day to celebrate all our birthdays together.
We would rent a charter bus to watch a Tiger’s baseball game live in The D. No need to worry about parking, meeting at exactly the same time, or who’s going to drive home afterward.
Below are the people in my family and friend group who have/had spring birthdays:
- My great-grandmother, April 1st
- Neighbor and good friend, April 1st
- My younger cousin, April 6th
- My mom, April 8th
- My ex-father-in-law, April 9th
- My older cousin, April 15th
- My nephew, April 17th
- My oldest son, April 18th
- My grandfather, April 30th
- My sobriety birthday, May 1st
- One of my best friends, May 5th
- My other nephew, May 9th
- A good friend, May 12th
- My birthday is May 13th
- Another good friend, May 16th
- My twin cousins, May 16th
- My same-aged cousin, May 17th
- A good friend, May 23rd
- My aunt, June 9th
- A younger cousin, June 9th
When considering birthday celebration ideas for adults, according to Greenvelope, “There’s the perfect party theme for any moment, and these unique birthday ideas for adults are some of our favorites. We’ve brought together inspiration for every taste and personality, whether you want a relaxed vibe, an elegant soirée, or a quirky celebration.
- Karaoke Party
- Board Game Night
- Ice Cream Social
- Escape Room
- Birthday Brunch
- Scavenger Hunt
- Spa Day Experience
- Cooking Class
- Horror Movie Night
- Wine Tasting Experience
- Pastel Pool Party
- Backyard Camping
- Brewery Tour
- Costume Party
- Video Game Night
- Kayaking
- Music Festival
- Retro Disco Party
- Sleepover Party
- 1920s-Themed Soirée
- Axe Throwing
- Murder Mystery Party
- Alice in Wonderland Tea Party,”.
Those are some good ideas; in fact, I have done a few of them.
What to do on your birthday with friends
Since I have a May birthday, I have always had many options to consider when planning my birthday with friends. When I was a little girl, my mom would plan my birthday parties with outdoor games, my meal of choice, my favorite cake (cherry chip with chocolate frosting), Neapolitan ice cream, and a sleepover with my closest friends.
When I was a teenager, my closest friends would come over to my house for dinner, made special by my mom (who was an amazing cook, by the way). After dinner, we would walk up to our local Catholic church, which, lucky for me, would host its annual fair on my birthday weekend.
We would ride the rides, play carnival games, and then walk back to my house after the fair closed to have a sleepover/backyard camping experience in our large canvas tent, where my girlfriends and I would stay up all night giggling like teenage girls do, basically about nothing in particular. Good times!
In my late teens/early twenties, I started planning my own birthday bashes. I would get my friends together to take a limousine downtown to Detroit to go clubbing, then hit all the after-hours clubs and raves to party into the wee hours of the morning. All I have to say about that is, I am glad social media wasn’t around then!
During my late twenties, my boyfriend and I would usually go out to a fancy dinner and then meet my friends for drinks at the local pub – keeping it really low-key. Early in the day, I would see my mom for my special cherry chip cake, presents, and quality time together.
What to do on your birthday as a mom at home
As I became a mom in my early thirties, my birthday plans changed dramatically. First of all, we usually celebrate my special day at home. Starting with letting mommy sleep in! Then, one of my precious little munchkins would bring me breakfast in bed and wake me up with their sweet smiles.
Upon awakening, if the weather were nice, we would go on a family walk in the woods with our furry four-legged family members running free. Maybe have a light lunch while we are out, then head home for my husband and sons to make me my favorite dinner: Chicken à la King, followed by cherry chip cake with chocolate frosting.
My boys would then give me their handmade birthday cards, homemade gifts, and the “big” gifts they picked out while shopping with their daddy. Hearing my boys sing me happy birthday in their sweet little voices was priceless, and it’s still one of my favorite memories from my birthday.
What do moms like to do for their birthday?
Today, as a divorced mom of two young men, and without my mom around anymore to spoil me, my birthdays look different, even more so. This mom, in particular, just likes to spend time with my sons and maybe see my friends later as well.
Typically, my birthday also falls during the same week as Mother’s Day. In fact, I was born on Mother’s Day, and my mom said I was her first and best Mother’s Day gift ever (awwww).
Since it is hard even to get my sons to stick around for five minutes, my birthday/Mother’s Day request is to have them work in our almost-an-acre yard, doing a spring cleanup and planting flowers for the season.
Usually, my oldest (21) gets me a nice gift in addition to the outdoor labor, and my youngest (17) brings me breakfast in bed. Last year, he made the best pancakes! They have continued the tradition of singing “Happy Birthday” to me with a cherry chip cake and candles, but now it is in a more tenor/bass tone. Although they are much older, their singing still melts my heart.
Birthday celebration ideas for adults
In conclusion, from intimate family moments to lively nights out, the best birthday is one spent doing what brings you genuine joy — however that looks.