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Celebrate Unbirthdays with Grandchildren
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In the animated film, Alice in Wonderland, nothing was more profound than the song "A Very Merry Unbirthday to You". After all, every grandchild, child, and adult has 364 "unbirthdays' every year. As a long-distance grandparent, you have an exceptional opportunity to make a grandchild smile by creating an unbirthday celebration every year.
If you long to see the sparkle in your grandchild's eyes when she opens her birthday gift but the distance makes it impossible, there is a solution. Plan an unbirthday party for grandchildren when you do see them. It can be celebrated when you make a visit to the grandchildren any time of year, or when they visit your house. The unbirthday celebration can be close to the actual birthday, or very far away. It's all up to you because you are choosing the day.
How to Plan an Unbirthday
First of all, determine when you will be visiting with the grandchild in your home or theirs. Once you know about travel plans, you can determine the best day for the celebration. Treat the day as very special just like any real birthday would be. Take a special birthday gift wrapped in the child's favorite themed wrapping paper.
Decide what means the most to the child. Maybe they love birthday cakes so that's a place to start. Perhaps they prefer a giant cookie cake or a dozen multi-colored cupcakes. Some children may prefer to go out for a meal and have a wait-person deliver a decadent dessert complete with birthday candle and song to their table. Depending on the child's age, make the event special for them.
The day can be even more special if you are able to do some fun activity with the grandchild. Visit a museum, go to a park, participate in an activity, or even take them shopping. Visit a Build-a-Bear workshop or find a local pottery store where children can create their own crafts. Find a Romper Room or Bounce-n-Play business in the local area. Let your imagination run wild and talk to the child about what they would love to do.
Prepare the Child with a Video
Communicate your ideas to the child ahead of time. They can anticipate their unbirthday with excitement and give it some thought. You can even send them a DVD with the "Merry Unbirthday" song recorded to get them excited. Even better, send them a YouTube video of the song being sung with Alice in Wonderland. They will count down the days until they see you and celebrate their special day.
Don't assume that grandparenting long-distance does not offer its own special perks. Creating an 'unbirthday' makes it very special for a child. It's a tradition they will remember for a lifetime and they'll pass down the tradition to their own grandchildren and talk about their special day with grandma and grandpa with their friends and family for many years to come.
Nothing compares to the sparkle in their eyes and the excitement in their voice as grandchildren open their gifts and celebrate their own special birthday. You can even celebrate "unholidays" too! Now, long-distance grandparents can share that joy and thrill first-hand.
It just takes some creativity and planning.
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