Being away from your family can be difficult, no matter how old or how many miles away you are. But being away from your family on your birthday is even harder. As a child, you spend your birthdays surrounded by loved ones and make traditions that are unique to your own family. However, when you're in college or away from home, having a birthday can be hard. My 20th birthday is on April 2nd and even though it is not my first time having a birthday in my college career, it's still hard sometimes. So, these are my favorite ways to celebrate my birthday when you can't be with your family. I hope these might help you, too!

1. Order a cake

All birthdays need a cake or some form of dessert (obviously of your choice). I ordered a red velvet cake for my birthday, and I cannot wait to pick it up. I told the bakery the colors I love and what I want it to say, but I want to be surprised, so I gave them artistic license. It's not as fun ordering your own birthday cake, but just let the bakery know you want to be surprised about it and it'll be like someone else ordered the cake for you!

2. Invite your friends over

I invited a bunch of my close friends over to help me celebrate. These people have become my second family, and when your first family isn't available, the family you've made for yourself in school or in your community are excellent to celebrate with. They love you and care about you in a way that is different than the family you grew up with, but a good different.

3. Make your own traditions

We all have our favorite birthday traditions, but sometimes traditions can adapt or evolve based on the environment. I'm inviting my friends over to celebrate, eating my favorite foods and not doing any homework. You can have a movie night, go crafting, go to a museum or you can just slightly change your traditions from home.

4. Take pictures

You might be missing your family on your birthday, but your family is also missing you. Take silly pictures with filters and tons of smiles. Send pictures home to your family to show them that you had fun and ask them to have a belated celebration when you get home.

It's okay to be sad about celebrating your birthday when you're away from home, but remember that while it's your birthday and you can cry if you want to, try to celebrate and have fun. Make the most of it. Who knows? You might even create a tradition that you want to bring home to your family!