Milestone Birthdays: it’s the work that makes it worth it.

Aug 14

Does anyone else have too many celebrations to attend this year? I already went to a wedding in San Diego and Lake Tahoe, and I have another one this fall. My grandma turned 100 years old and had not one but six parties. My brother turned 40, my uncle hit 80 last month, and my best friend’s 50th birthday in August will be a 60-mile hike in Switzerland.

These milestones are not just about throwing parties. They are about cherishing the people who have made our lives extraordinary. Each milestone requires its own kind of grandness along with a personal touch. Making our loved ones feel special is how we return the love they’ve given us.

Yet, here’s the truth: these celebrations are a lot of work. They’re often stressful, frustrating, and expensive. Your friends and family are not going to help in the way you need. And on top of that, you’re already busy and juggling a lot. There’s no blueprint or guidebook on how to celebrate these momentous occasions. There are no wish lists for those who already have everything. The truth is good things take work.

It’s tempting to take the easy route and just buy a nice bottle of champagne or make a reservation at a fancy restaurant. A momentous celebration requires thoughtfulness and hard work. That's precisely the point. Consider my plans of hiking 60 miles in Switzerland next month. I’ve invested a ton of time, money and resources into physical training, getting the correct gear and taking the time off. Put that on your wish list. Celebrating your loved ones is not about lavish gifts. It’s about investing in someone else’s happiness more than your own.

Let me tell you one thing I know for sure. When you put in the effort, the memories become life’s most treasured moments. These moments are why we are here. They define our purpose. And what’s the point of life if not to give it our all?

In the end, amidst the hustle and bustle of life, these celebrations are the only things that truly matter. They serve as reminders of the love we share, the bonds we create, and the joy we bring into each other's lives.

Here are some ideas to honor the milestone birthdays in your life:

Milestone Birthday Ideas

Bucket List Adventure: Help the person fulfill one of their lifelong dreams or bucket list items. It could be a thrilling experience like paragliding or taking a special trip to a destination they've always wanted to visit.
Memory Book: Compile a beautiful memory book featuring photographs, stories, and messages from family, friends, and well-wishers. Each page can represent a different year or significant event in the person's life. I created a chronological memory book for my grandma’s 100th birthday, and she takes the book everywhere. She loves showing her badminton and mahjong friends photos of her younger years, her late husband and all the lovely people who have come in and out of her life. It’s proof of a life well lived.
Photo Slideshow or Video: Create a photo slideshow or video montage showcasing the person's life journey, achievements, and cherished memories. Our phones recognize images of people as they age. Collecting images is easier than ever. I used iMovie to create my brother’s 40th birthday video, and it was incredible. I tear up just thinking about the video again.
Celebratory Event: Consider hosting the event at your own home—even if it’s snug or can barely fit everyone. Gathering at someone’s home is so much more intimate than a restaurant. It allows guest to relax, mingle and connect without the formality and pressure of a restaurant. Make it personal by incorporating the person’s favorite cuisine, florals, or a fun theme. Bonus points if you make it a surprise!
Reflection & Gratitude: At a celebratory event, encourage your guests to share what they love about the person. There are many ways to express that care. Consider taking turns speaking and sharing stories. Or write down your favorite qualities in the person and put it into a significant box to read later.
Professional Photo Shoot: Arrange for a professional photo shoot to capture precious moments with friends, family, or children. Choose a location that holds significance.
Tree Planting: Plant a special tree in your garden or a significant location and watch it grow. It’s fun to reflect on all the years. We did this for my mom’s 60th and you wouldn’t believe how excited she gets every time we pass the tree.
Meaningful Acts of Service: Encourage friends and family to participate in acts of service in honor of the person's birthday. It could be a day of volunteering together at a local charity or engaging in a community service project.

When you’re deep in the work of planning one of these milestone birthday celebrations, you’re going to have your doubts. You’re going to question whether or not it’s worth it. I’ve been there. And I can promise that it will be the most meaningful part of their whole year. They will tell their friends. They will talk about it for years. Because it’s unexpected. It requires you to search within and come up with an idea from the heart. If it feels like hard work, just remember, that’s how you know you’re doing it right.