100 is not just a number; it’s a reason to have a blast

by: Viktoria Lukas
2009-09-08

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Not all people get to live past a prime age, more so the age of 100. That is why centenarians are often revered for their amazing longevity. In the United States, a 100th birthday celebrator usually gets a letter from the President. In the United Kingdom one also gets a letter from the Queen and in Ireland, apart from a letter from the head of state, a gift of 2,540 pounds which is called the ‘Centenarians' Bounty’ is also given.

A centenarian deserves a birthday celebration that is worth the significance of his age. From 100 birthday candles to a period-themed party, the possibilities are just never-ending. Here are some suggestions for a special 100th birthday bash. Who knows, you might be celebrating yours years from now:

100 Candles

One may opt for a big enough cake to accommodate all the 100 candles. But because centenarians may not be that physically-fit to blow out this much birthday candles, the usual candles sculpted into the numbers 1-0-0 may do. If one will insist, though, to have 100 birthday candles burning, the birthday celebrant's friends, family and even neighbors can help him/her blow each one candle out with each candle-blower saying a wish for the centenarian beforehand. Another great way to blow 100 birthday candles minus the effort is to have a 'candle blowing day' everyday 100 days before the actual birthday itself. One may record each 'candle blowing day' with a camera and have the photographs printed for a great birthday party backdrop.

100 Balloons

An alternative to having 100 candles is to have 100 balloons and a great way to make them useful (than just a bunch of flying air-filled rubbers) is to insert a small well-wishing note in each of them. The centenarian, with the help of family and friends, can then pop each balloon and read the note inside—-but maybe not in one sitting.

Another idea would be to insert highlights of the centenarian’s life instead of well-wishing notes. These would be read aloud to everyone attending the party.

Oldies but goodies

You may organize a party using the birthday celebrant’s era as the theme. Dress up in the appropriate outfits of the chosen era (30’s, 40’s and 50’s) complete with the appropriate music and even furnishings.

Fresh is young

For the buffet, opt for healthy, organic foods that promote health, wellness and of course, longevity. Have a salad bar, fresh fruits on platters and even a lean meat chicken barbecue grill. Of course, you may have to consider the birthday celebrant’s favorite dishes and make sure that they are healthy enough for a 100 year old fellow. Instead of an after-party coffee treat, opt for green tea or herbal tea. You may also distribute the recipes for these healthy meals following the idea of healthy living.

Por favor!

For 100 year old birthday party favors, you may give away fruit preserves stored in jars, suggestive of a ‘long life’ (as well as a long shelf life). You may also put up an oxygen bar where the centenarian’s guests can unwind after the party. Practitioners of alternative medicine claim that more oxygen in one’s system will remove toxins and can even treat cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Inhaling oxygen is proven to be safe, and very much enhances well-being and invigorates the immune system. If these do not fit your budget, you may opt to give fortune plants or a tree seedling, suggestive that if well taken care of, these living things can live for many years.

Celebrating a 100th birthday is extraordinary which makes it even all the more special. Celebrate the centenarian’s life as a thanksgiving not only for a great example he/she sets in how to live a fulfilling life but also for living long enough to make people around him/her realize that a long life lived in utmost faith in God is one proof of His own existence.

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