Everybody and their uncle make a big fuss when a person reaches a Landmark Age. Be it the plunge into adulthood (that’s the sweet 16 for all concerned) to the Canadian right of passage (19) and the American age of legality (Ha! suckers 21!) Whenever the birthday boy/girl turns any of the above-mentioned years, a chaotic fiesta always ensues. Even for those ages afterward, that perhaps the birthday person chooses not to celebrate (for example, 30 years of existence and, after this one, ‘biggies’ get celebrated by the decade) the special event may morph into a roast, but the date of birth is still commemorated. So, what’s the point of this article? Simply put, while you could probably think of the big birthdays to celebrate, there are many wasted celebrations. In fact, the majority of birthday years simply fall through the cracks. Everyone remembers where he or she was (sort of) the day they turned 19, but would you remember turning 23? Probably not. Of course, cake and the local watering hole may come to mind, but nothing truly memorable stands out. If you’re all partied-out or just fishing for ideas, here are some b-day party ideas for those who may be turning an oddball age --or if it’s you this year, start hinting to your buddies. If you’re turning 18: What a tough age to bear! A whole 365 days of counting the calendar overshadows some new civil liberties such as the ability to vote and purchase things legally from the lottery booth.

If this is your age, not to worry! An 18th b-day bash can have glimpses of the future a look to what’s possible in the next year. For example, you may want to have some alcoholic punch served at the bash, or even hold a Casino Night complete with blackjack table! If the thought of your age sounds as exciting as watching paint dry: you’re not alone! Most of the time, people fall into this category. How about spicing things up a bit, with a Latino Dance Party? There’s nothing quite like watching guests with 2 flat feet stumble through complicated dance moves if the dancing doesn’t work, how about some spicy recipes? Perhaps a New Age Party could be in order. In the event that you’re losing that young at heart feeling, a dose of youth is in order. While it’s in nobody’s best interest to be hopping fences, how about re-enacting a Children’s birthday party? Let’s face it, the best times of your life were probably the ones where you had less responsibility what better way to get all-nostalgic to whatever extent be it Pin the tail on the donkey, to Creating Your own Sundae Bar This list just barely skims the surface of the many ways you can celebrate. With a little creativity, any birthday, not just the ones of society has deemed important can be a memorable one.

Lidia Siino
Editor