Approaching Another Big One: Here Are 6 Milestone Birthday Planning Tips! by Rebecca Daniels

I’ve always enjoyed birthdays, though I’ve never made a big deal out of most of them. Aging doesn’t bother me, except when my body reminds me of what I can’t do anymore. I’m content to get older and, hopefully, wiser. Of course, it helps that my hair isn’t gray yet, and my oily skin, such an ordeal during adolescence, has kept wrinkles at bay. But the big milestones are still a a challenge.

My last big one was the year before my husband died, and I don’t remember what we did. I’m pretty sure he made me a lovely dinner with a celebratory cocktail before and good wine with the meal. This was the perfect celebration for us. Without him, I won’t be able to rely on someone else to know what I want, so this time I’m going to plan if for myself, and I’ll spread the celebration out over more than one day/event.

Here’s a few tips for planning your own milestone birthday: 

• Most importantly, be thankful for being alive for so long.

• Don’t let expectations get too big; that way you can’t be disappointed.

• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Celebrate differently with the various people in your life, thus the need for more than one day.

• Let some trusted friends and family members know what you want to do. It could be different with each group.

• Take charge of the things you know you really want, but let the rest be pleasant surprises.

• Be clear what you want from your celebrants. I always say no gifts and remind them that their presence in my life is gift enough.

The thing I want most for my 70th birthday is an impossible dream: that my beloved husband would still be alive and celebrating this next big one with me. Then I remind myself of the blessing of having such a loving family and wonderful friends.