Spending your birthday alone is probably not something you choose to do. However, there are times when circumstances put you in a position to be away from your loved ones, whether due to travel, work, or arguments. Although you may feel sad about spending your special day on your own, there are things you can do to make the most of it anyway like sending yourself birthday video wishes (video ucapan selamat ulang tahun, which is the term in Indonesia).

Step 1

Decide what you will be in the mood for. Not all people are the same, and not all birthdays have to be celebrated in the same way. If you’re in the mood to celebrate, consider skipping work and planning the entire day as a celebration. If you feel depressed or prefer to forget that day, you may want to pretend it is a day like any other and continue with your regular daily routine.

 Step 2

Buy yourself a drink. This could be an alcoholic beverage, like a glass of champagne, or it could be a gourmet cup of coffee in a place that you like or have been meaning to visit for a long time. If you don’t feel like going anywhere, you can still have a drink at home while watching a movie or surfing the Internet.

Step 3

Buy yourself a gift. This is especially important in a year where you are alone and will not receive assistance from others. Think of something you’ve wanted for a long time, and then get it. No matter your budget, there will always be something you can get, from a small candle to a new DVD player.

Step 4

Go to a show, buy a theater ticket, or take a road trip to a nearby town. Avoid just going to a movie theater or shopping. Instead, do something more active, where there are noise and people. This will take your mind off the situation and help you enjoy the moment more.

Step 5

Consider getting out of town for a couple of days. If you can’t afford the time or expense of taking a vacation, book a night at a cute inn not far from home. Enjoy a delicious lunch and then spend the afternoon strolling through unfamiliar streets.