What’s a birthday video?

[NotWithMyShoes]

I’ve just had a request from the DH of a good friend to make her a birthday video for her upcoming birthday. Yesterday on Facebook I saw someone express their thanks for their birthday videos.

Is this a thing now? What is such a video supposed to contain? Ancient photos scanned in plus a commentary of things we did at school eons ago? Like a memorial? Or a cheerful off-tune rendition of happy birthday against the backdrop of my living room wall?

What is wrong with a simple video call if he wants to organise something?

Is it a round number birthday?

For various family members I have got DC to sing happy birthday and sent video on WhatsApp to cheer up relative etc but not heard of this phenomenon.

Our next door neighbour's wife did one for his fortieth last year. It was loads people saying "Hey neighbour happy birthday, hope to celebrate with you soon" in various ways.

I think they've been a thing this year specifically for obvious reasons - like you I've seen reference on social media and SIL made one for a family birthday, I think they can be quite elaborate but normally I think it's just a quite simple edited together 'reel' of lots of people wishing them a happy birthday with their favourite song or some pictures in between. I get the cynicism but unlike a video call this is something the recipient can keep and also if like our family you have lots and lots of relatives, some in different time zones around the world and some with lots of commitments, its hard to get everyone together for a 'simple video call' so a video message is in some ways easier to coordinate...

I think some people (extroverts!) make a bit of a performance of said message by sharing an anecdote or a joke or something but if like me you find recording yourself a bit cringe I think it's fine to just do a 'standard' quick message, happy birthday, love you, wish we were with you hope you have a lovely day type thing... or of course to say no if you really don't want to do it and wish your friend happy birthday if your own way....

Just use the video on your phone (instead of a photo) to record a quick happy birthday message! I've done about 8 so far this year (never done one before this year, so yeah, seems that lockdown has made it 'a thing' 👍)

Well, I guess it's a nice move to make lockdown birthday people feel a bit celebrated. I would just do a video raising a glass and missing them.

My husbands uncle is 50 this week. His cousin asked everyone to record a short video clip wishing him a happy birthday so he could make him a birthday video since because of covid the big 50th party they would have had is off.
I’m think it’s nice. Not my cup of tea because I hate celebrating my own birthday but for all those that love celebrating covid just suck!

Also we record a video of the kids (well
Eldest) saying happy birthday to various nieces and nephews or grandparents or uncles / aunts as we can’t also call and usually the youngest two won’t play ball on a live video! Seems nice since we can’t say it in person

We have a class WhatsApp chat and the bday videos started in the first lockdown. The children couldn't see each other or have parties so I thought it was lovely. Whoever wanted to join in sent a short video message and one of the mums edited them together.
You would just say " happy birthday ___ , wishing you all the best, can't wait to see you..." or something similar, it would be short and sweet as there will be more from others so it would drag on too long otherwise.
My sons one was lovely, even his teacher sent a video. It brought a tear to my eye.

My eight year old and his classmates did it during the last lockdown for any classmates who had a birthday -- normally during school time, the birthday child would have happy birthday sung to them, and have his/her homework excused, and possibly a party. This is something aimed at replacing that. Some children literally just say 'Happy Birthday, X!', but we've also had some singing it or playing it on an instrument, or a gif involving their dog saying happy birthday etc.

DS had his last birthday during lockdown, and really valued the videos.

I’ve seen a few and they’re quite sweet.. Lots of people’s short video clips edited together to make one video. The couple I’ve participated in I’ve literally done about a ten second video on my phone saying happy birthday X love from the Tatty’s or similar.

its hard to get everyone together for a 'simple video call' so a video message is in some ways easier to coordinate...

Exactly, he’d have to put some effort in. She’s not been able to join in any group calls because then he’d have to watch their toddler and baby. But get everyone else to do the work and then she can watch it when it’s convenient for him...

Exactly, he’d have to put some effort in. She’s not been able to join in any group calls because then he’d have to watch their toddler and baby. But get everyone else to do the work and then she can watch it when it’s convenient for him...

@NotWithMyShoes OK I think you have an issue with the husband but don't get that mixed up with the birthday video which as others have told you, have become popular due to the restrictions we've had over the last year. Send your message in and save the resentment of the husband for another occasion.