Forget the birthday song.
I think we can do birthdays better. Why isn’t anyone talking about a possible birthday song revision? It’s much too long and awkward and the song itself feels bored. Sing it to yourself really quick.
Doesn’t the tempo sound like it’s also just trying to get it over with? And why the sudden spike on the third “birthday”? Is that supposed to add spice because it just only gives us opportunity to come off sharp.
In my discomfort, I’ve begun to resort to singing along to my own birthday serenade because sitting idle and catching uncomfortable eye contact while my mother sings off-key isn’t an annual tradition I want to continue.
We’re better than this song, let’s can it.
The turning of one year of life to another is more bitter than sweet the older you get it seems, but I’m trying to practice having a better perspective on them for myself and inspiring that excitement for the new year in others.
Here are the questions I try to keep in my back pocket come birthday time for loved ones or myself. If nothing else, they’re good conversation starters and gateways for connection during slightly uncomfortable birthday dinners.
What do you hope you’ve experienced this time next year?
What’s your birth story?
If you could only use one art form for the next year what would it be?
When you were ten and you thought of your (whatever age the person is turning) self, what kind of person did you picture?
What surprised you about this past year?
You have any predictions for the coming one?
What advice would you have given yourself this time last year?
If you had to go on a reality show in the next 365 days, what show would you choose?
If you had to live the next year of your life in another country, where would you choose?
If you could only read one book in this next year, would you reread a book you know or pick up something new? If so, which book?
If you could relive one day from your last age, what day would you choose?