Happy Birthday!

Carrie's birthday is at the end of the week, so this is a small series of posts in honor of her!

One of my New Year's goals this year is to remember more people's birthdays. This is a such a simple, even free way to make someone's day. Think about the people in your life who mean a lot to you, who are family members (aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.), who might need a little pick-me-up. Many churches publish their members' birthdays and anniversaries. You no doubt already have a list of family members' birthdays. One of my husband's aunts sends everyone in the family a little birthday note (and there are several hundred people in this family!!). It means a lot to check the mail (snail mail or email) and see a cheerful little remembrance of your special day. Below are some easy ways to incorporate birthday greetings into your routine:

1. Mark them all on your calendar and/or daytimer!
2. Get in the habit of checking your calendar for the coming week.
3. Keep addresses handy (my mother-in-law gave me an address book that also has a place to record birthdays and keep cards handy--ingenious!).
4. Keep a stash of simple cards on hand, so you are not stuck running to the store at the last minute or choosing not to send a card at all because you don't have time to run to the store. I picked up a box of 200 cards and matching envelopes at Target this winter for around $10. The cards are all bright solid colors with no text--I can write whatever I wish.
5. Keep postage supplies on hand (stamps, etc.). You can even order your stamps online .
6. Make kids' birthdays extra special: stick some stickers in a young child's greeting, for instance.
7. E-cards! These are often free and are very fun to send. Children love the animated ones. These are great options to send to people to whom you may not normally send cards, but would like to acknowledge this year. They're also fun additions even if you are sending a card, especially for those at work on their birthdays.
8. Phone calls: these are still a great way to go! Cards show you've thought about the person ahead of time, but what person doesn't like a phone call from a long lost friend or relative on their special day?!
9. Verbal greetings: if you remember a co-worker's birthday by simply telling them "Happy Birthday" before they have a chance to remind you, you'll make their day!
10. Gifts of time/labor: Do something for those around you on their birthday: treat them to lunch, fix a child's favorite cookies or cake, hang a sign up in the classroom acknowledging the birthday boy/girl, bring breakfast in bed to your spouse, etc.