New Year’s Day babies know that having the 1st of January as a birthday can really suck. The weather, (in England at least), is 98% likely to be rubbish and it often feels like everywhere is closed. However, there are still ways you can celebrate your birthday on the actual day. So without further ado, here are some ideas for how to spend that New Year’s Day birthday.
1. Go for a meal
Food with friends or family has got to be one of the best ways to celebrate anything. Have a favourite restaurant? Make sure that it’s open and head there to treat yourself to your favourite meal. Otherwise, you could always try somewhere new that you’ve been meaning to check out!
2. Go to the cinema
If there’s a movie you want to see, the cinema is a great way to celebrate your birthday. I actually went to see Frozen for my 21st birthday! Alternatively, if you’re in Las Vegas, catching one of the fantastic Las Vegas shows can be an unforgettable way to mark your special day. Here you can find a full lineup of Las Vegas shows to choose from. If you’re a parent like me, it becomes even more of a treat if you have someone to look after your children while you go. If your cinema has a luxury screen with comfier reclining seats and other perks, definitely go for it. It’s your birthday – and trust me, it makes all the difference.
3. Go bowling
Yay, bowling alleys have got our backs! They are one of the few places that seem to be open for entertainment on New Year’s Day. Bowling is always a good laugh and suitable for all ages too.
4. Have an indoor picnic
Ever wished your birthday was in the summer? Fantasised about having a lovely birthday picnic between trees adorned by bunting and balloons? Even if that last bit isn’t your style, I’m sure you’ve felt you’re missing out by being born in the middle of the winter. So, why not have an indoor picnic? Put a blanket on the floor and tuck into some of your favourite picnic food (let’s face it, you probably still have some picnic food left over from Christmas anyway). You could even build a blanket fort!
5. Have a pyjama party
This is a great option if you’re hungover from partying on New Year’s Eve. Get in your pyjamas and bring your pillows and duvet to the sofa, then invite your friends over for a movie night. Order a pizza and you’re set. Don’t forget to take lots of selfies!
6. Go ice skating
Ice skating seems like a great activity to do on the first day of the year. Grab some skates and some people you want to spend time with and hit the ice! All my local rinks are open, so hopefully if you go for this option, yours will be too! This is another idea that works well if you have children, too.
7. Go shopping
Shopping malls are still open, so if you have Christmas or Birthday money you could treat yourself to a day of shopping! If you go first thing, it probably won’t even be that busy. Just remember that some shops may be closed!
8. Go to the arcades
Last year, I went to Brighton for my birthday. Well, I actually made the decision to go on the 2nd of January because there was a Harry Potter themed shop I specifically wanted to visit that wasn’t open on the 1st. However, had I headed there on my actual birthday, the pier and its arcades were open. Arcades are fun and vibrant in all types of weather and can bring part of the beach experience to a winter birthday!
9. Go for a walk
How about wrapping up warm and going for a walk? Don’t forget a flask of hot chocolate or tea! My favourite walks are by the sea or in the woods. However, if you prefer urban spaces then just having a walk around a city seeing the sights is fun too. I adore London and have spent hours before just walking around soaking in the sights, people watching and taking photos of interesting graffiti.
10. Go for a short break
A change of scenery is always nice, so why not use your birthday as the perfect excuse to do that? It doesn’t have to be particularly pricey and you don’t even have to go that far. My husband and I have previously stayed at the other side of our county (a 40-ish minute drive away) and really enjoyed exploring locally but not locally. On the flip side, you could just go for it and fly abroad for some winter sunshine for a few days!
I hope this has helped to inspire you! Let me know what you’re doing or if you have any other ideas in the comments – I’d love to hear from you 🙂
As for me, I’m currently feeling ice skating and a cheeky Nando’s.