How To: Celebrate your birthday all by yourself

Whether you've planned it that way or not, sometimes you wind up celebrating your birthday alone. This tutorial will help you feel less lonely and have a great birthday, even if you are the only person at the party.
You Will Need:
* The day off
* Champagne
* Dessert
* A trip (optional)

Step 1: Go on a trip
Plan a trip that will have you out of town on your birthday. If you don't want to be alone, book an active vacation that involves a group, like a bike, walking, or volunteer tour.
If you've been saving your frequent flyer miles but don't have enough for a ticket, consider blowing them on an upgrade to first class.

Step 2: Or stay home
If you can't or don't want to take a trip, plan a decadent day at home. Take the day off from work. Call in sick if you have to.

Step 3: Revel in your freedom
Revel in the knowledge that, for this one day, you can do exactly what you like. You don't have to be anywhere at any particular time.

Step 4: Buy yourself a present
Buy yourself a birthday present. Make it something impractical that you've always wanted.

Step 5: Have some champagne
Have a glass of good champagne somewhere – at the bar of a five-star hotel, in your bathtub, or just in front of the TV.

Step 6: Savor your favorite dessert
Savor your favorite dessert – you know, something you like better than birthday cake.

Step 7: Make a wish
When you turn in, count your blessings. Then make a wish for the coming year.