|
 Emily
and Dan Goodman instead decided to combine a variety of coronavirus-safe
activities for their son, an avid Star Wars fan. The day includes a
social-distancing treasure hunt of sorts; dancing in the streets in
his Storm Trooper costume, with friends kept at a contagion-proof
distance; and a virtual Zoom party featuring treats delivered to the
homes of Reuben's playmates and left outside their front doors.
Their aim was to make their pre-schooler feel like the center of the
universe on his special day, even though he was unable to have a
traditional party this year.
"Parents are trying very hard to create positive birthday memories,"
said Emily Goodman, a communications executive who has been working
at home in self-quarantine since mid-March under orders of her
office in New Jersey. "He knows we can't be close to our friends
because of the invisible germs."
The Goodmans are not the only Americans who have had to adapt to
restrictions on social life in the wake of the pandemic, which has
forced the cancellation of traditional birthday bashes for both
young and old.
U.S. deaths from the novel coronavirus have topped 25,400, doubling
in one week, according to a Reuters tally, as officials debate how
to reopen the economy without reigniting the outbreak.
Despite the outbreak, Americans are still finding ways to have fun.
In many small towns across the country, local police and fire
departments are staging parades in front of children's' homes on
their birthdays, complete with flashing lights and sirens.
Friends and families are using Zoom video conferencing to throw
virtual parties, featuring renditions of "Happy Birthday," a song
that has become a coronavirus anthem. (Health experts say a thorough
hand-washing takes 20 seconds, about the time it takes to sing
"Happy Birthday" twice.)
[to top of second column] |
In San Diego, California, when a former U.S. Marine couldn't go anywhere for her
104th birthday, her friends brought the party to her front lawn.
"Well, I can't believe it. It's amazing," Ruth Gallivan gasped, as honking cars
festooned with birthday decorations drove by at a safe distance.
Anxiety around birthdays is spiking for children struggling with the concept of
social distancing, Anthony Field, founder of the Wiggles, a popular Australian
musical act, told Reuters in an email.
"Parents have told us their child is worried that if no one can come to their
party, 'Does it mean (I) still turn 4?'" said Field, better known as the Blue
Wiggle.
In a new "Social Distancing" song, with more than 540,000 views since it went
online March 29, the Wiggles assure fans that a video party counts as a genuine
celebration, Field said.
In New Jersey, Reuben's mother invited more than 20 neighbors to post drawings
of Star Wars heroes and villains in their front windows, where her son could see
them during a social-distancing walk on Tuesday, his fifth birthday.
Neighbors young and old agreed to dress up in futuristic costumes and join
Reuben, wearing a new Storm Trooper outfit, as he danced on his front lawn.
Adults would make sure everyone stayed at least the recommended six feet apart
from one another.
Later, his friends were set to join him in a Zoom party that would feature a
children's musician strumming "Happy Birthday" and enjoy party goodie bags with
toys that Reuben ordered from a local store and custom Star Wars cookies ordered
from a local bakery. Reuben's mother, wearing a face bandana and disposable
gloves, planned to drop them off at his friends' front doors, wiping down each
one with disinfectant.
Reuben said he had another present for all the party-goers, who are presumably
as tired of being separated from friends as he was. His special treat? “To look
at me,” he said.
(Reporting by Barbara Goldberg; Editing by Alistair Bell)
[© 2020 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2020 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content. |
