The winter months are chilly, especially in New England. This can make it difficult with a winter birthday. Then add the pandemic to the situation.

I never realized how challenging it would be to plan for a birthday during the winter. But when you have a child that tirelessly counts down to their birthday every year, you do everything in your power to make their day special.

Keep your guests warm

This year we rented a video game truck. The girls and boys equally enjoyed it and as a bonus the entire truck was heated. The kids kept warm and had fun playing. The bus also required all the kids to wear masks, so they were kept safe.

Make party favors that will work in your favor

I setup a hot cocoa bar for the kids and their parents. When the kids were done in the video game truck, they helped themselves to a carafe of hot cocoa with all the fixings – marshmallows, peppermint sticks, Hershey chocolate chips and whipped cream.

You can also provide warm blankets. Roll them up and put them in a basket for guests to use while at your party.

It’s all about the food

While it may have been bitter cold, at least the cake and cupcakes couldn’t melt. My kids always pick their own theme – for my sons birthday it was Roblox. He chose all of his favorites for the dessert table: Pringle’s, cotton candy, hot cocoa cupcakes and M&M mini candies.

We made it super convenient and scheduled a pizza delivery for when the video game truck was over.

Have a campfire

What better way to keep warm. We had a Firepit and love to roast marshmallows by it. You can have a setup with marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers for everyone to make s’mores.

Rent a tent or outdoor shelter

An outdoor gazebo is all the rage right now. They are popping up at a lot of restaurants and they can be rented as well. How fun would it be to add an outdoor rug, some chairs and throw pillows inside a gazebo right in your own backyard? At the same time you will be kept warm, especially if you include a space heater.

Get the kids moving with activities

After the food was served, we had the piñata. Think of activities that will keep the kids running around and active to keep warm.

Some other fun activities you could include:

Laser tag

Blowing bubbles and watching them freeze

Winter scavenger hunt

Gingerbread decorating

Backyard skating rink

If you are dressed right, the cold weather isn’t going to bother you. We kept the party short at just two hours and kept moving. Have multiple activities for the kids to choose from so they don’t get bored and cold. A winter birthday can be fun, even during Covid.

Amanda Piscitelli is a mom of three from Wallingford, a business owner and blogger of Livingwithamanda.com where she talks about motherhood, lifestyle and home decor. Instagram.com/livingwithamanda