Post Covid Birthday Parties

July is with no doubt, the most “flexible” month of the year. From summer holiday kids outings, to new collaborations, to being interviewed on the radio about  “Black Lives Matters”. My July is now as “busy” and “crazy” as December, only difference is the weather. To top it all, the three most important men (boys) in my life were born in July.

See how I planned not one, two, but three parties with Covid measures in the back of my mind. Also check out the pros and cons of organizing at different party locations.

This year more than any other year, I believe (our) birthdays need to be celebrated. Adding another year is not guaranteed. Why not commemorate on the countless blessings we have?

When I told my sweet mother is just a small party we are planning for the kids. She said, “There is no such thing as a small party. Party is party! Lots of money will be spent as well as hours in the kitchen.” Well, she is 100% right about that. Especially when it comes to African parties: food (with take-away options), drinks, music and people are doubled in the budget. Guests are meant to leave parties with filled stomachs, a bit of muscle aches from dancing and unforgettable moments of joy.

But nowadays people are (still) living in fear. Which makes it quite challenging to organize or attend parties. That is why the focus was on keeping it intimate (max. 20 people), respectable space between each other and a fun memorable easy-going atmosphere for everyone.

Below a short summary of the parties:

1st “House” Party, for family. My Kiki (nick name) turned 3 years and his father; Don P (nick name) was clocking forty- something-ish, two days later. It was kind of his party too. My sweet mother surprised us with Nigerian cookies, Chim Chim. Sister E. brought some delicious (veggie) pies to join the “Thanos” cake Kiki wanted so badly depicted on. We sure ate our bellies full that day.

2^nd “Kids Park” party, for my Papi (nick name) 6^th birthday. First time we celebrated with his classmates at Amstel Park, because his birthday always fall in the summer holidays. So we had to make it happen this year with his buddies from school. Food and drinks were ordered at the spot. The only thing we brought with us was the birthday cake and goodies bags.

We went a bit overboard with tokens of the paid attractions, but it was worth seeing the kids have so much fun. 

3^rd “Garden” party, a day after, with family and friends. We are still celebrating Papi’s b-day. For this I had to plan every step of the party before Papi’s 2nd party. Good weather always helps to set the right vibe for a BBQ party. This party was so laid back with the grilled food, chilled drinks and music at the background. Kids running around the Flower Garden having fun. Again Sweet mother and sis E. came through with “Chim Chim” and (veggie) pies.

Post Covid parties for me is about spending and sharing quality time together in a intimate setting, forgetting about the troubles of the world. Cherish and appreciate each other. To capture those little moments of joy, smiles and connections makes those hours of cooking in the kitchen worth it and the money well spent.

In a couple of days, it’s my turn, my 40^th “big day”. How do I celebrate this special day with family and friends? Only few days left to plan, crossing my fingers that the “Dutch” weather will be dry, bright and gentle. I would love to have an outdoor party for the first time.

Luckily, I can use the guidelines of July’s celebrations. Start preparing like “Superwoman” in between daily activities to create a memorable day for myself and others with Corona measures far back in my mind.

Do you have any “Corona Proof” party advice or any other tips for me that I can use for my “Big day”? Please drop them in the comments box.

Subscribe to stay tuned for the details of my 40th birthday celebration post Covid coming soon.

Images from:

Butterfly in the Flower Garden – Suka Photography (featured thumbnail)

Mondo Verde , Limburgh – Chi

Thanos Birthday Cake – Chi

Caterpilar, Amstel Park – Suka Photograhy

Thomas the Train, Amstel Park – Suka Photography

Kipo Birthday Cake – Suka Photography

NOTE: last edited date only the layout and typos/ grammar errors not the content of the post!