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21 Ways To Properly Celebrate Your 21st Birthday

You only turn 21 once, so make it memorable.

Juliana Do Prado

Oct 01, 2018

University of Central Florida

4095

21 Ways To Properly Celebrate Your 21st Birthday

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Growing up, the age 21 was never a big deal to me. I had always dreamt of the day I turned 16 or 18 years old because of the movies I used to fantasize over as a child and because of my Latin culture. This all changed after I turned 18 and came to college.

In college, people make the age 21 out to be such a big deal. Essentially, being in college has given the age 21 a grand reputation, so much so that you start wondering if you'll feel any different or act differently when you finally turn that age. Truth is, nothing changes - you're still the same person who thinks the same things, has the same hobbies, works the same job, etc.

However, many people cannot deny the fact that turning 21 is a major milestone in life. It's a time in your life when you are not only legally allowed to drink but you start to be respected by other adults. As a 21-year-old today, I think it is important to celebrate and flaunt the age because it only happens once. Below are 21 ideas you could enthusiastically celebrate your 21st birthday.

1. Go clubbing.

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It may be the most generic and common thing every person does on their 21st birthday, but having the freedom to choose any club you want to go to and ordering a drink is exciting. Plus, who cares if its "basic" - it's your 21st birthday, so live it up.

2. Throw a beach or pool party.

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Having a beach or pool party is always fun. No one gets bored of it, and it can go on at any time of the day, night, or all day and night.

3. Bar hopping.

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You're 21 now, which means you can go to all kinds of bars. Why not go to a bunch of them and hop the night away?

4. Have a wine night.

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If you're not feeling the public party scene, stay in and have a wine night with your closest friends.

5. Have a friendly dinner at your favorite restaurant.

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Take your birthday as an opportunity to dine out at your favorite restaurant with no need for compromises or negotiations. It's your day, so you get to decide on everything.

6. Go on a three-day cruise.

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If you have the time and money; take this opportunity to go on a cruise and celebrate all weekend long. An all you can eat, all you can drink, fun activities, and some beautiful ocean views can never do you wrong.

7. Plan a trip to Vegas.

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What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, friends.

8. Treat yourself to 21 things.

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It's totally OK to buy yourself a birthday present...or 21 presents.

9. Take the day off work.

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No one will miss you for the day, go out and celebrate yourself.

10. Throw a themed party at a friend's place.

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Use your birthday as an excuse to throw yourself a themed party - one you've always wanted, but never had the courage to actually have.

11. Treat yourself to a nice spa day.

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It's not everyday that you can pay to get your nails done, hair done, or a massage. Put on some relaxing music and give yourself the day to loosen up.

12. Buy yourself your first alcohol bottle.

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Flaunt your I.D. and buy yourself your first bottle, since you finally can.

13. Start your birthday at midnight.

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Don't waste any hours of the day, start partying right when the clock strikes 12 a.m.

14. Have a picnic potluck.

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Invite your closest friends to an outdoor picnic and have them make you some of your favorite meals to enjoy.

15. Watch the sunrise and sunset.

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If you appreciate the sky as much as I do, wake up early and start your birthday the right way by seeing that beautiful sunrise. Then end the day properly and watch the sunset, too.

16. Do something you've never done before.

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I mean you only live once and this is the only time you are turning 21, so might as well do something new.

17. Celebrate with your family.

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Take some time to celebrate with those you love the most. Have their company fulfill you with pure love and happiness on your special day.

18. Go to a theme park.

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Spend the day going on rides and feeling that adrenaline rush through you.

19. Buy concert tickets to see your favorite artist.

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If you're lucky, a good artist may be in town on your birthday.

20. Have a karaoke night.

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Enjoy your night by singing it away on center stage.

21. Donate to your favorite charity.

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It is your day, and it is all about you, but you can always take some time to give back to the world.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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21 Ways To Properly Celebrate Your 21st Birthday

You only turn 21 once, so make it memorable.

1. Go clubbing.

2. Throw a beach or pool party.

3. Bar hopping.

4. Have a wine night.

5. Have a friendly dinner at your favorite restaurant.

6. Go on a three-day cruise.

7. Plan a trip to Vegas.

8. Treat yourself to 21 things.

9. Take the day off work.

10. Throw a themed party at a friend's place.

11. Treat yourself to a nice spa day.

12. Buy yourself your first alcohol bottle.

13. Start your birthday at midnight.

14. Have a picnic potluck.

15. Watch the sunrise and sunset.

16. Do something you've never done before.

17. Celebrate with your family.

18. Go to a theme park.

19. Buy concert tickets to see your favorite artist.

20. Have a karaoke night.

21. Donate to your favorite charity.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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