It’s my birthday today (Jan 3rd), and like many of you, I’m celebrating without my friends and family from back home. For me, the timing of early January, when the festive season has just wrapped up, presents an additional challenge: friends are often either back at their family home, or simply exhausted from a month of partying and shenanigans.
If you’ve recently moved abroad, you might find that birthdays feel different now, perhaps a little lonely. If you’re reading this and wondering how to make your day feel special, I've come up with some ideas to help you create meaningful moments, whether you’re celebrating on your own or with your partner.
Before we get started, I'd like you to know that things do get better. Today is the 3rd birthday that I've celebrated since living in Dubai, and I have lots of wonderful friends joining me for dinner, to mark the occasion. What I'm trying to say is that if you make the effort and take the time to nurture your new friendships, I promise your birthday next year will be something to look back on with a warm heart. In the mean time, here are some creative ways to celebrate your birthday as a new expat:
Start the Day with a Treat
Birthdays are the perfect excuse to indulge a little. Start your day with your favourite breakfast. It might be a sumptuous pastry from a local café, or a cup of the "fancy coffee". It’s your day, so gift yourself the little things that bring you joy.
Add a Little Intrigue
Explore a part of your new country that you've been meaning to visit. get lunch at a local market, or visit a scenic spot you’ve seen on Instagram, but haven't gotten round to seeing. Even if it’s just a leisurely walk through your neighbourhood, shifting your focus to the beauty around you can lift your spirits.
Plan an Extravagant Date
If you’re celebrating alone, why not treat yourself to an activity you love? Book a spa treatment, pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read, or enjoy a solo cinema outing. If you’re celebrating with your partner, you could plan a posh dinner, with a drink at a swanky cocktail bar afterwards. Sometimes, the simplest plans turn out to be the most memorable.
Dress to Impress
Birthdays are a great time to get your glad rags on. It's the perfect excuse to wear that dress you never get an opportunity to wear. You'll feel like a million dollars and this is just the confidence boost you need as a new expat. Make sure your significant other understands the assignment here - he might need a push in the right direction!
Connect With Friends and Family
Even if your closest friends and family are far away, you can still feel their love. Set up a group video call, some of the most fun calls I've had are when we've arranged to play a game online - you can find ones that are interactive and each person uses their phone to play. Or you can just use the time to catch up and have a glass of wine together. Their warm birthday wishes will lighten your heart no end.
Make It a Day of Reflection
Birthdays can be a wonderful time to reflect on your growth over the past year, especially if it’s been a big one with a move abroad. Take a moment to acknowledge all you’ve accomplished, even if it’s just making it through some tough days. It's a good time to reflect on things you're grateful for, and something you're looking forward to in the next few months.
Celebrate the Festive Season Your Way
If your birthday is at an unfortunate time of year and you’re feeling a bit overlooked during the post-New Year slump, why not blend the celebrations? Treat your birthday as an extension of the festive season—add some sparkle to your day with festive decorations or a toast to a fresh start. It’s your party, after all (feel free to cry if you want to).
Quick List of Birthday Ideas
See a show at the theatre
Watch a comedy night
Get a bottle of bubbles and toast with a takeaway
Posh date
Go on a walk
Have a picnic
Attend a concert
go for a pool day
Spa treatment
Get a mani-pedi
Take a long weekend trip
Take a pottery or art class
Living abroad may mean your birthday looks a little different, but it’s also an opportunity to celebrate in ways you might not have before. Happy birthday to anyone else celebrating today. Here’s to making it one to remember, no matter where in the world you are. I'd love to hear how you've celebrated your birthday in your early years of expat life, leave a comment.
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