A couple of weeks ago it was my sister’s birthday, tomorrow is my mum’s birthday.

I’ve been preparing for my mum’s birthday for a week now and while doing this and preparing previously for my sister’s lockdown birthday, I have observed a few things. The sad but funny part about this whole thing is that there are only three stores to choose from in terms of birthday shopping. And all three of those are grocery stores. You are rather limited in terms of what you can get someone. In this scenario, the term “It’s the thought that counts” becomes extremely important because the problem is that it’s hard to show individuality and heart when the only things you can get are a chocolate and some shower gel. There is no solution to this except for the hope that the receiver of these gifts are understanding of the compassion and appreciation you’re trying to convey through them.

This makes me think, however, that all gifts should be received with that mindset. To only appreciate a gift through the gift itself seems materialistic and ungrateful. It’s time we all revert back to our childhood selves who were told to be grateful for any gift you receive regardless of whether you like it or not (assuming you were told that as a child). I have been practicing this for years so I can only hope that this lockdown has urged others to do the same.

Another funny but sad scenario is that there are only so many activities that you can do indoors for someone’s birthday. I try to combat boredom on birthdays through watching movies and doing birthday-related crafts with the person of which the birthday belongs to. My only regret is that I can’t take them to a nice restaurant or to the theatre. The is a reality, however, and I hope that by making the birthday in question as special as possible while staying at home, they will appreciate it and still enjoy their day. All I can do is try.

May quarantine look upon you kindly.

-Birdie