Our youngest had her birthday party a couple of weeks before quarantining in March. Her friends came over, played with balloons and ate cupcakes. It was a very simple, but a very sweet way to celebrate her big day.

This summer our son had a virtual birthday party with friends. They enjoyed building Lego sets and eating candy. At the time I had my fingers crossed that this would be the only virtual birthday party that we would throw this year. I had hoped that our middle child would be able to have her fall birthday party outdoors with social distancing. But, with the coronavirus keeping her and her friends home from school and the wildfire smoke keeping us indoors, we are figuring out a plan B. While she is excited for presents and decorations, it clearly is not the birthday celebration she had imagined.

My birthday is just around the corner too. And it is definitely hitting me why these fall birthday celebrations are extra challenging. Unlike our son's summer birthday, these celebrations remind me just how long our lives have been disrupted. And right now the upcoming year looks so very uncertain. How do we celebrate the past year and look forward to the year ahead?

So this year for my birthday I’m focusing on the positives and the present. I’m going to go for a long walk/run (when the smoke allows it). I want to give myself the opportunity to clear my mind, take a deep breath, and give myself some time without distractions. I want a moment to just be grateful for my health and the ability to workout.

How did you celebrate your 2020 birthday?