When I'm 34, you're invited to my funeral

Life is one big cycle.

When I die, I imagine I'd see light at the end of a tunnel, and instinctively move towards it.

Just like how on August 4, 1979, I saw light at the end of a tunnel, and instinctively moved towards it.

And since life and death are intertwined, I thought it would be interesting to mark my birthday next year, like I would a funeral.

I'm not saying people will celebrate at my funeral -- I hope I have no such evil friends.

I'm just thinking... birthdays will be so much more fun (and meaningful) if they were treated like funerals.

Die-die will come

Have you ever made grand plans for a party, only to learn that one or more of your friends have something crop up at the very last minute?

Well, excuses no more, if you treat your party like a funeral. People actually make time to attend these sombre events regardless how busy they are. So yes, I can expect full attendance.
  

Theme players

It's tough to get people to stick to a fashion or colour theme for a party. You send an invite, state in plain English to attend that party in smart casual. Or black tie. Or specify a colour code to stick to.

In the end, you find you're the only idiot who sticks to that theme.


With funeral-like birthday parties, you can be assured guests will respect dress codes. Nobody attends funerals dressed for the mardi gras (unless they're one of the funeral band members).

Present perfect

I'm not materialistic but imagine the sort of gifts you get if you organise funeral-like birthday parties. For one, people will pass the hat around to give you cash.

Plus, you can potentially receive uber expensive gifts, such as sports cars, mansions, Rolex watches and even a pair of domestic helpers!

Wishful thinking

Don't get me wrong when I say this, but we really need to be more creative when we wish friends on their birthdays.


But if you're invited to a funeral-like birthday party, you would probably have to crack your head to say something original about the funeral-birthday boy/girl. Which is good, because this way, people are forced so think of nice -- and sincere -- things to say.

I'd imagine my guests would say things like:

Oh, Wai Kit... he loved to fart -- that's quite, you know, common.

Wai Kit and I had been such great friends. And here's what I really love about him... (tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock).

On your marquee 

I've always wanted such a huge birthday bash that, to accommodate all my guests, I'd have to set up a marquee. And I might get just that, if I plan my birthday like a wake, leading up to a funeral.

Last, caution

Last but not least, the reason I think funeral-themed birthday parties is a great idea is, it reminds us to treasure all that we have.


We should mark the passing of every year with a celebration of what we've achieved thus far.

And while we want to look forward to another great year -- or many, many years -- to come, we should also not forget to treat each day as if it were our last.

That way, we might learn to live our lives with more gratitude, as well as celebrate and appreciate the simple joys that surround us, and which we sometimes fail to see.