Updated: July 8, 2021
Originally Published: March 25, 2020
Just two days ago, my little one turned four. With the COVID-19 pandemic prompting us to stay home, we marked his special day with just our immediate family—five of us in total.
No grand party this year. Not a single friend could join us. The lovely Mickey Mouse cake I had ordered is safely tucked away in the freezer, untouched. Gone were the pony rides, petting zoos, vibrant costumed characters, face painters, and inflatable bounce houses. I even found myself without balloons or streamers.
The zoo was off-limits, and we couldn’t venture to a park or trampoline place. This was a birthday during quarantine.
Early that morning, Walker woke up before his siblings. I scooped him up for a big hug and exclaimed, “Happy Birthday, buddy! You’re four now! What do you want for breakfast? Cereal? Pancakes? Bacon?”
He grinned mischievously and replied, “How ‘bout cake?”
We settled on blueberry muffins, whipped up from a basic mix I found in the cupboard. After breakfast, he entertained himself with colorful measuring spoons, sorting them and pretending to cook. It was pouring outside, so he snuggled under a blanket with his older brother, watching his favorite movie for the umpteenth time.
Meanwhile, I rummaged through the kitchen in search of cake ingredients. I felt a rush of joy when I uncovered an old box of Betty Crocker mix. I mixed cream cheese and powdered sugar with a generous amount of red food coloring for frosting. Miraculously, I also found a few yellow cupcake liners. Stale chocolate cookies became the “ears” for my makeshift Mickey cupcakes.
They were far from perfect—the frosting had a bitter taste due to the dye and ended up more pink than red. But when Walker saw them, he squealed, “Mickey cupcakes!” He didn’t even mind that I had to serve them on a Christmas cake plate since I couldn’t reach the plain one on the top shelf.
The rest of the day was spent playing games in the living room, with Walker calling the shots on activities, movies, and snacks. For dinner, I popped some chicken nuggets in the oven at his request.
The only birthday candle I had was a sparkly yellow five left over from my thirty-fifth birthday in November. Walker was turning four. Oh well!
He successfully blew it out all by himself for the first time. When the candle extinguished, we erupted in applause for our newly-minted four-year-old, as if he had just discovered the secret to cold fusion. My husband gave him a high five, and Walker beamed with pride.
A few weeks prior, I had snagged his gift during the after-Christmas sales at Target. In a typical year, I might have doubted if it was enough, but this year, I felt blessed just to have a gift to give. I had no wrapping paper, but I still got to witness his excitement when my husband brought in the big box from the garage. Together, they assembled a toy science lab, and Walker radiated joy as he helped his dad fit the pieces together. The rest of the evening was spent watching him thrive as a tiny scientist, clad in safety goggles and a huge grin.
This quarantine birthday will forever be one of our best family memories.
I’m aware of the seriousness of the pandemic, and we take it to heart. However, even amidst dire circumstances, we found a way to embrace joy. A few years ago, I experienced a miscarriage, and in our grief, we took the boys to a drive-through Christmas lights display. It was a moment of wonder and laughter that injected hope into an otherwise sorrowful day.
This birthday felt like those lights—a little sparkle in a daunting time. We comprehend the gravity of the situation and the helplessness it brings. It can feel counterproductive to stay home while the world faces crisis, but for most of us, that’s the most responsible action. Non-essential workers contribute more by staying home than rushing out to help.
That’s why I didn’t “run to the store real quick” for wrapping paper or balloons. We didn’t invite grandparents or have a small gathering with friends. We recognize the importance of staying home.
However, I also want to ensure my kids experience the joy and magic of childhood during this period. I want them to maintain their innocence for as long as possible. While I enforce safety measures, I shield them from the heavy details.
Initially, I feared I wouldn’t be able to create a memorable celebration during such challenging times, but Walker never noticed that I cobbled together his birthday from whatever I could find.
In my eyes, all there was were imperfect cupcakes, simple chicken nuggets, and an unwrapped discount gift. I was focused on what I couldn’t provide from our constrained space. To him, it was all magical—from the moment he woke up until he fell asleep in his dad’s arms while watching Nanny McPhee. The day revolved around him: cake, gifts, and the love of family. Ironically, for Walker, who has autism, missing the big party likely suited him just fine.
It turned out to be his best birthday ever.
In this uncertain time, I’m actively seeking silver linings. The one I’ve discovered thus far is how much easier it is to appreciate simplicity when life’s usual distractions are stripped away.
As I browsed through photos from Walker’s day, I noticed that many prominently featured a sign on our dining room wall. My husband made it when we purchased our first home, inscribed with lyrics from a favorite country song of mine:
“Love grows best in little houses
With fewer walls to separate
Where you eat and sleep so close together
You can’t help but communicate…”
It struck me that we weren’t trapped at home on this birthday. We were fortunate to be together, healthy, and safe. Many around the globe cannot say the same.
Even during pandemics and uncertainty, it’s important to recognize our privileges and be thankful for our loved ones and our cozy homes. Doug Stone was right: No matter the storm outside, love flourishes best in homes just like ours.
For more insights on navigating such times, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy. And if you’re interested in home insemination, this guide is a fantastic authority on the subject. For more heartwarming stories, head over to this blog post.
Summary:
This article reflects on a unique birthday celebration during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing how a family found joy and love in the simplicity of staying home. Despite the lack of traditional festivities, the day was filled with laughter and cherished moments, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and togetherness during uncertain times.
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