How to Survive Having a 40th Birthday

Lose the Fear of Turning 40 and Celebrate in Style

© Beverly Hill

Nov 26, 2008
Over the hill, DWQ Online
There's nowhere to hide when it comes to turning 40, but it can be done gracefully and with style with the proper planning. Learn how to have a painless 40th.

Reaching the big 4-0 is often feared and dreaded. For many people, images of black balloons, canes with horns attached, and a cake ablaze with a fireman on standby fill their mind as they worry about what the day will bring. Some worry that their hair will suddenly turn gray and wrinkles will appear. But does reaching one's 40th birthday really have to be that terrible?

Take Charge of Planning the Party

If concerns about friends and family going overboard for the big day cloud the mind, one of the best ways to take control of a situation is to be the one planning it. Turning 40 only comes once, so make the most of it. Make it as fun or as elegant as desired. Choose a favorite restaurant or activity and start making plans for the big day.

The best parties don't have to go by the book, in fact, the more unique it is, the more fun there is to be had. Ever thought about booking a romantic train trip through the mountains or taking an ocean cruise? Or perhaps a trip to the zoo or aquarium seems a more enjoyable way to spend the day. Aim for something that's always been on the list of things to do, and check it off.

40th Birthday Party Ideas

  • Rent a charter boat and have a party cruise.
  • Host a backyard barbecue.
  • Rent a banquet room and hire a live band.
  • Hold a karaoke party with prizes for the best and worst singers.
  • Have a Luau celebration on the beach.
  • Party at a casino. Casinos offer more than just gambling. Take in a live show, enjoy the buffet, shop the stores, or hang out around the hotel swimming pool or hot tub.
  • Arrange for a private showing at the local theater. Some theaters have birthday packages available.
  • Have a trivia game with questions about the featured birth year.
  • Relive the youth of days gone by with a go-cart race or bumper car session at the local amusement park.

Making the Best of a 40th Birthday

If friends, family, or co-workers seize control, make the best of it and laugh in the face of adversity. Upstage them by becoming the star of the show. Regale them with wisdom of the earlier years. Be the life of the party and have them laughing so hard that their ribs ache. Things might go so successfully, they'll be at a loss to stage a coup at the upcoming 50th birthday party.


The copyright of the article How to Survive Having a 40th Birthday in Entertaining is owned by Beverly Hill. Permission to republish How to Survive Having a 40th Birthday in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


Over the hill, DWQ Online
       


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