Despite the Covid-19 pandemic I could spend Christmas and New Year’s at home in Austria. Soon after I went back to Sweden to write my last exam of the winter semester on campus. I was happy that I finished the day before my birthday, but also a little worried that this first birthday away from home without my childhood friends would not be the same.

I was right – it was not the same, but that does not mean that it was any less memorable, maybe even more so. The people, I grew so close with over the past five months, made an immense effort to make this day amazing – surprising me with cake (twice!).

However, I am aware that this is not possible for everyone. Especially during such times! Therefore, I have compiled three things that have made my birthday better the past few years – and I hope they do so for you!

1 Get yourself a birthday cake or dessert!

Thankfully Linköping is full of amazing coffee shops and bakeries. My three favourites are Simons Rosteri & Bageri, Babettes Kafferi and Lanemo Konditori & Bageri.

2 Make a video for your family and friends

In my family it is tradition to send video-recordings of yourself singing “Happy Birthday”, if you cannot see each other in real life. Maybe you want to establish this with your close-ones as well. I can guarantee that watching those videos back is also a lot of fun!

Alternatively, you could compile a video for a friend’s birthday of people wishing them happy birthday.

3 Have a game night

Whether it is over Zoom or a specialized app, such as “Houseparty”, having a game night is always loads of fun!

I hope you have a great birthday this year, no matter the circumstances!

All the best,

Iris

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