A special birthday is coming up, or perhaps it is today. But your loved one is no longer here with you.
How do you wish someone happy birthday in heaven?
Below, we have several ways to wish your loved one happy birthday in heaven. We'll also think about birthday wishes from heaven, on your birthday. And we'll close it out with some ideas for how to celebrate your loved one's memorial birthday.
Remembering Your Loved One's Birthday
• Birthday Wishes in Heaven
• On Their Birthday:
• Mom
• Dad
• Brother
• Sister
• Friend
• Happy Birthday in Heaven Poems
• On Your Birthday:
• Happy Birthday Wishes from Heaven
• How to Celebrate the Birthday of Someone in Heaven
Happy Birthday Wishes for Someone in Heaven
When someone you cherished now celebrates their birthdays in Heaven, it leaves you feeling lonely. This is understandable, and you are definitely not alone in your feelings of grief. Thankfully, there are still ways for you to still wish your loved one a happy birthday in Heaven, and ways to thoughtfully iterate it, too.
Here are some special happy birthday wishes to speak in your heart for your loved one this year on their special day.
• “Happy birthday, ________. I don't think you could ever know how much I miss you right now. I wish more than anything that we could be together again to celebrate your day. But I know we will again one day.”
• “It's your birthday, but it doesn't feel like it without you here. It doesn't matter; I'm going to celebrate it like you are here because I know that's what you would have wanted. I love and miss you so much.”
• “I know you're in Heaven and that your birthday there must be way better than any party I could have thrown for you here. And maybe I'm being selfish when I say that I wish you were still here anyway. Happy birthday, love.”
• “I'm feeling a little jealous of the angels right now. Happy birthday in Heaven, _________. Until we meet again.”
• “I know we can't celebrate today like we have in years past. But I hope you know that I still try. Happy Birthday.”
• “I never thought that this day would come, at least not so soon. The day I couldn't wish you Happy Birthday to your face. So I'm sending you my best wishes straight from my heart and right up to Heaven.”
• “We can't go out celebrating today like we used to. But I wanted you to know that I'm still going out – still going to stop by all our old haunts, still going to buy you a birthday gift, still going to raise a glass in your memory. I love you, _______, happy birthday in Heaven.”
• “I used to think that this day would get easier every year that went by. But quite the opposite has happened. Happy birthday, sweetie…I can't wait for the day we can truly celebrate you again.”
• “I will never let today become just another day. Because it will always be your special day. Happy birthday in Heaven, ________. I hope you can feel the love I'm sending your way.”
• “No matter how old I get, your special day will always be the most special day of the year to me. And I will always celebrate it and you. Happiest of birthdays.”
Happy Birthday in Heaven: Mom
That first birthday Mom celebrates in Heaven is her most glorious one, yet the hardest for the children who survived her. Here are some ways to wish your Mom a happy birthday when she is no longer just a phone call away.
• “Happy birthday, Mom. I didn't know how I would feel today, and to be honest, I'm feeling pretty sad. I wish you were here, but I also wish you the most beautiful and joyous birthday today in the presence of the Lord. I love you.”
• “There's so much I want to tell you, Mama, and so much I want to hear you tell me. But on today, your special day, I simply want to wish you a happy birthday in Heaven.”
• “Happy birthday, Mother. How I wish I was there to celebrate with you.”
• “Every day since you passed away has been hard, Mom. Today has been especially difficult, but I know you wouldn't want to see me sad like this. So here's a smile just for you, just for today. I love you.”
• The calendar says it's your birthday…but it really doesn't feel like it. Tonight I am getting takeout from our favorite little restaurant we'd always spend your special day at. I know you would join me if you could. Happy birthday, Mom, I sure do love you.”
• “Sending hugs and kisses straight up to Heaven just for you today, Mommy. I wish I could wrap my arms around your neck and give them to you myself, but I'll have to let God do it for me this year. Happy birthday.”
• “Remember how you used to celebrate your whole birthday month and not just your birthday? I'm going to keep that candle burning for you, Mom. I love you.”
Happy Birthday in Heaven: Dad
You used to celebrate every birthday together, but this year you must wish him, “Happy birthday in Heaven, Dad.” Here are some ways to express that sentiment in a meaningful way.
• “We used to have so much fun on your birthdays, Dad. We'd always do the same things every year, but every year it was special. I love you, enjoy your birthday in Heaven.”
• “You taught me strength, honor, humility, and also what it means to have a good time. I just can't figure out how to do that last part anymore. Happy birthday, Pops, I know you're having a good time in Heaven.”
• “You used to love Mom's homemade chocolate cake… so today I made a double recipe just for you. I know you can't enjoy it this year, but don't worry – I'll got you covered. Happy birthday, Dad.”
• “I looked in the mirror today and saw my father. And know what? I couldn't complain.”
• “Happy birthday to the man who taught me all about the Reason I know I'll get to see you again one day: Jesus.”
• “My loss was Heaven's gain, Daddy. But that doesn't make this day any easier. I love you and can't wait to be together again one day. Happy birthday.”
Happy Birthday in Heaven: Brother
Your brother has been by your side through it all. You've always enjoyed celebrating birthdays together, but this year is going to be different.
• “I can't believe it's your birthday and you're not here to celebrate it with us. Today I lean on all the good memories I have with you, and on the promise that I'll see you again one day.”
• “Brother, what does it mean to celebrate a birthday in Heaven? I have no idea, except that it's probably not bad at all. I love you, I miss you, and I wish you were still here.”
• “Today I saw what day it was and picked up the phone to call you. Then I remembered. Happy birthday in heaven, bro. Don't worry – I'm not going to erase your number.”
• “They say, ‘If only heaven had visiting hours…' Well I say, if only earth had visiting hours. I'd bring you back in a heartbeat to celebrate just today…then God could have you back.”
• “Happy birthday to my brother in Heaven. I'm sure after a glimpse of the heavenly realms there's no way I could drag you back into this one for just for one more birthday together. And that's okay. I love you.”
Happy Birthday in Heaven: Sister
Sisters share a close bond that those who don't have a sister simply can't comprehend. You will always want to wish your sister a happy birthday on her special day – even when she's in Heaven – so here are some messages to help you do that.
• “I've spent the whole day looking through photos of us during happier times. I've laughed, cried, gone numb and felt the pain of losing you all over again. Happy birthday, sweet sister. It's not the same here without you.”
• “When you left, a piece of me went with you. Happiest of heavenly birthdays to my precious sister. What a wonderful celebration we'll have once we're reunited again.”
• “There are no words to describe how I'm feeling right now. Sad, yes. But yet joyful, too. Happy birthday, _______.”
• “I'm sitting here trying to come up with a way to tell you happy birthday when there's really no way to physically do so. It's breaking my heart, but I'll say it anyway: Happy birthday, sister. You are sorely missed.”
• “I will always celebrate you.”
Happy Birthday in Heaven: Friend
Friends are the family we choose for ourselves. You may have lost your friend, but you certainly didn't lose the memories of birthdays past that will stay tucked in your heart forever.
• “It doesn't feel right to celebrate this day. But I'm going to do it anyway, for you and in your memory, because it's what you would have wanted. Happy birthday, ________, I love you dearly.”
• “Our friendship was one for the ages and will never again be duplicated. I don't know how to honor you on this day other than by letting you know how much I miss you and wish you were still here. Happy birthday, my friend.”
• “It's such a wonderful feeling to know that I have a connection to the One Who has drawn you back to Him again: the Lord. I pray you have a wonderful birthday celebration in Heaven today, sweet friend.”
• “Why does God always take the best? Happy birthday, __________. Thinking of you today and everyday.”
• “I don't know if you can hear me, so I'll ask God to pass it along: I love you, I miss you, and I miss the good times we always had together. Happy birthday, __________. I hope it's a good one.”
Happy Birthday in Heaven Poems
Sometimes a little poetry can speak our emotions for us when we can't get the words out ourselves. These are written by yours truly and are free for personal use.
Mother's Memory
Night had fallen, on the eve before
And I knew it wouldn't be the same
As last year, or the year before
So I simply said your name.
I cried in my sleep and wished you were close
By me still to rock and hold
My hand in the dark, my head to your chest
And whisper softly, a mother's caress:
“It's okay, I'm fine. I'm at the Lord's feet
I'm dreaming of you and the day we can meet
To celebrate again that one day each year
The reason I was born at all: to love you, my dear.”
Tonight
Tonight I'll raise a glass to you
In a mournful sort of way
To celebrate who you once were
How you lived your life each day.
I'll cry a toast to evermore
I'll dance alone in our room
I'll light a candle then blow it out
I'll sing a song to you.
I'll tell everyone how hard it's been
Yet it won't be honest enough
I'll cry into your tear-stained pillow
Yet it won't bring you back, my love.
Every year's the same, and it'll always be
Only me alone, and never you and me
To celebrate your special day
To live, to laugh, together be
The angels better treat you well
The Lord, I know He does
But until I can see you with my own eyes
I'll remember you and what was.
Birthday Wishes from Heaven (on YOUR Birthday)
What about when it's YOUR birthday, and your loved one is no longer with you? How can you possibly celebrate YOUR day when the one person you want to celebrate with literally can't?
If you have a friend in Heaven, and your birthday is about to roll around again (only this time, without them), we have a piece of advice for you:
Celebrate anyway.
Why? Because it's what they would have wanted.
If you're finding that hard to imagine, here are some “birthday wishes from Heaven,” conceptualized messages from your loved one to help you feel just a little more content today:
• “You would not believe how beautiful it is here. Sorry, but I wouldn't want to leave Heaven for earth again any day – even your birthday! I look forward to the day we can celebrate YOU again, together.”
• “Happy birthday, __________. I know today is hard for you without me and I'm so sorry I had to leave you behind. When you get here, I'll catch you up on everything.”
• “The Lord called my name and I had to go. But it's on days like today that I wish earth had visiting hours. Happy birthday, honey, I love and miss you, too.”
• “I wish I could turn that frown upside down. Because there's no sadness whatsoever here! Happy birthday to you and many more to come before you get up here with me.”
• “Life is so short – I think I have a right to say that now. Enjoy it while you can, live it to the fullest and make the most of all the birthdays you are given. I love you.”
• “When the time comes, we'll get to celebrate your big day again. Until then, keep your chin up, do all the things you want to do, and remember me today and always.”
How to Celebrate the Birthday of Someone in Heaven
For several years after a family friend passed away, I'd buy a 16-ounce of his favorite soda (Sunkist) on his birthday and have a drink in his memory. It was such a simple thing to do, and no one else even knew about it. But it was a way to keep his memory alive in my own mind and heart.
That's something that you could do, too, for your loved one this year on their birthday. Did they have a favorite snack or drink, and was it always served at their birthday parties? Or maybe they had a favorite song (or perhaps you associate a certain song with them). Listen to it on their birthday as a sweet gift to them, in their memory.
Here are some more specific ways that you can celebrate the birthday of your loved one who's in Heaven now:
• Set their photo up and light a candle in their memory.
• Go to their favorite place, be it a certain store, restaurant or park.
• Call their family up and tell them you're thinking of them today.
• Say a prayer just for your loved one.
Happy Heavenly Birthday
One day, we will meet again and then we can celebrate you special day together.
When you're missing your bestie…
Beautiful birthday wishes for the love of your life.
I can't believe it's your birthday and you're not here to celebrate it with us. I miss you!
Mom, oh how I wish I was there with you to celebrate together.
A father's absence is always felt so deeply.
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Birthdays are a big deal; we want to celebrate these milestone events with our friends and family, but often fall short of knowing what to actually say. We don’t realize the impact that well-thought out birthday wishes in a card can make, until the card recipient tells you what a lovely surprise it was, and how happy you made them.
We have compiled a few birthday card messages from the heart below, to get you started. Our top tip is be sincere in your birthday greetings and your friends and family will love it!
Happy Birthday Wishes by Theme
Sometimes, you have the perfect birthday card in mind for your friend or loved one, but don’t know what to write inside. Here are some Happy Birthday sayings you can use to complement that perfect funny card, that inspiring card or just to say "Happy Birthday" from the heart.
Funny birthday greetings
• Knowing someone as awesome as me should be the only present you need. Happy Birthday!
• Happy birthday to the person who has turned 21 more times than anybody else!
• A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the ride. Happy Birthday!
• Growing old is compulsory; growing up is optional. Happy Birthday!
• So many candles… so little cake. Have a Happy Birthday!
• If you think that you are getting old don’t worry next year you will be older… Happy Birthday!
• As they say with age comes wisdom. You’re now the wisest person I know. Happy Birthday!
• Happy Birthday! May your day be filled with joy… and wine.
• Birthdays are nature’s way of telling you to eat more cake. Have a fab one.
• The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age. Have a Happy Birthday.
• Happy Birthday, friend! Age is not a big deal… to me! I’m still young! Have a great one.
• Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.
• "I believe you forgot my birthday gift last year. I’m returning the favor this year. I’m sorry but a Happy Birthday is all you’re going to get."
• "As you get older, there are four important things that happen. First, you lose your mind. I can’t remember the other three. Happy Birthday!"
• "Happy belated birthday! I didn’t forget your birthday – I just forgot yesterday’s date!"
Inspirational birthday quotes
• On this special day, my wish for you is to take steps and believe the power is in you to move beyond boundaries and be what you want to be. Happy Birthday.
• As you celebrate your birthday, may you continue to inspire and put laughter on the faces of those you encounter. I wish you experience pure happiness in life and that you never abandon your dreams.
• May your birthday remind you of all you’ve achieved and the yet-to-be accomplished ones to come. May you never stop chasing the latter. Happy Birthday.
• Age is opportunity no less than youth itself. Have a happy Birthday.
• I am proud to have such a faithful person like you. Happy Birthday!
• You are a light in everybody’s life. I hope all your wildest birthday dream come true.
• Every year on your birthday, you get a chance to start new. Follow your dreams, you deserve it!
• Birthdays are a new start, a fresh beginning and a time to set new goals. Move forward with confidence and courage. You are an awesome person. May today and your future days be special.
• Always smile and laugh, and never-never give up. You make us all happier, especially on this special day.
• Happy Birthday! May this day bring success and prosperity in your life.
Heartfelt birthday messages
• May every moment of your life be as wonderful as our friendship. Happy Birthday!
• A very happy and special birthday to one of the most special people in my life. You have been with me during the good and bad times. I know I can always count on you when I need someone to stand by me and I appreciate you so much. I hope you have an awesome birthday.
• Here’s wishing you all the special things in life that bring you happiness, love and joy. Have a lovely birthday.
• Happy Birthday. Everything that matters in my life matters because of you. Have the best birthday.
• If I must choose just one friend in my lifetime, I would choose you, over and over again! I cannot put into words how important you are to me. Happy Birthday!
• Birthdays come once a year, but you deserve more than a day’s celebration; you are worth it. Happy birthday, my love!
• My heart pours out the warmest birthday wishes for you to soak in. You mean the world to me. Have the best birthday ever!
• Seeing you grow, keeps my heart in motion. Have a wonderful day and an awesome year.
Happy Birthday Messages by Recipient
Sometimes, it helps to consider the recipient before you put pen to paper, so here is some Happy Birthday note inspiration you can use when writing cards to Mom, Dad, family and friends.
Birthday messages for Mom
• You deserve all the happiness in the world. Happy birthday to the best mom ever!
• Happy birthday to my biggest influence, my number one supporter and the best mom ever!
• Thanks for all the honest advice, love, and unconditional support over the years. Mom I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I hope that your year is full of unlimited blessings and love.
• Happy Birthday MOM from your favorite child!
• It is proven that people who have more birthdays live longer. Congratulations on your success!
• If things really do get better with age, then you’re close to perfection! I bet it feels as good as it looks. Happy birthday Mom!
• I’m so lucky to have a mom like you. You are my best friend, the best mom, and the kindest person I know. Have the best birthday!
Birthday greetings for Dad
• Every birthday you have means another year you made our lives even more special! Thank you, Dad.
• Happy Birthday to the hardest working man I know. I’m so proud that you are my dad. Happy Birthday!
• I know I don’t say it often enough, but I am so grateful and appreciate you for all you’ve done and all you do. You truly deserve to be celebrated, Dad!
• Happy Birthday to my favorite Dad!
• So happy I got you for a dad…you’ve passed on some amazing genes!
• Happy Birthday to the man who has taught me everything I know. I am so privileged call you my Dad. Have the best birthday!
• Happy birthday, my superman! Thanks a lot for all the moments of love. I hope, not only today but all your day be perfect and beautiful. Let’s celebrate your day in a grand way to make it more memorable.
• Congratulations, Dad for another year of life! It’s great to be here with you on your special day. Hope that you can conquer all your dreams. I wish you continued success and happiness.
How to say "Happy Birthday, Son"
• Since the day you were born you have brought nothing joy into my life. You are a fantastic son, and I feel so fortunate to be your parent. Happy birthday!
• Happy birthday to a son that is handsome, smart, funny and reminds me a lot of myself.
• As you get older, you can look forward to looking as good as your parents. Happy Birthday!
• I love you to the moon and back, I will always love you no matter what! Best wishes on your birthday!
• It doesn’t matter how many birthdays we celebrate, because you will always be our beautiful and brilliant baby boy. Have the best birthday son!
• It’s another year for you. I hope that you will continue to treasure your life, live it happily, and find ways to gain more success. All the best!
• On the day that you were born, our family was made complete! You are the best son we could ask for. May you have the best birthday and many happy returns.
How to wish your Daughter "Happy Birthday"
• So proud of the wonderful daughter you are and the incredible person you’re growing up to be. Hope you have the best birthday!
• You’ve always had it in you to do great things and look at you now! We couldn’t be prouder. Happy Birthday!
• I am so lucky to have such a funny, sweet, and caring daughter. You enhance my life in too many ways to count, and I hope your birthday is just as special as you are.
• I’m proud of you because you never give up on your dreams, and that takes an extraordinary amount of determination and perseverance.
• Happy Birthday to my awesome daughter, wishing you a day of non-stop celebration. Have a blast!
• Happy birthday, my dear girl! You have made me the parent of my dreams and I could have never asked for a better daughter! I wish you nothing but success and happiness!
• As you get older, you can look forward to looking as good as me. Happy Birthday!
Sending special birthday wishes to your Sister
• All throughout childhood we always had each other’s back, and it’s so great to know that even as we grow older nothing has changed in the least. Have the best birthday!
• No one understands me better than you. I hope you have a fantastic day and a fantastic year to come!
• I love you more than cake, and that is saying a lot! Happy birthday to the best slice around!
• Happy Birthday to someone totally amazing, beautiful, funny, and sort of reminds me of myself! You are a wonderful sister and you know you owe it all to me!
• Happy birthday to mum’s second favorite!
• On this special day, I wish you all the very best and all the joy you can ever have. May you be blessed today, tomorrow and the days to come! Happy birthday my lovely sister.
• You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family. Still, if you were not my sister, I would want you to be my friend. Happy Birthday!
What are the best birthday wishes to write in a card to your Brother
• To my awesome brother, Happy Birthday to you! I hope this year brings everything you wish for and more!
• Happy Birthday, my dear brother! Your future couldn’t be brighter, you deserve it.
• A great brother deserves nothing but the best, today and always. Have the best birthday brother.
• I cannot imagine this world without you. Happy birthday to the best brother in the Galaxy!
• Happy birthday to my big brother. You may be older than me but that doesn’t mean you’re wiser!
• Not many people are lucky enough to find their best friend in their brother, but I am. Have the best birthday bro!
• I’m so proud to be your sibling! You are such an amazing person and the most loyal friend. The smile you put on my face means so much to me. Thank you for your kindness and continuous support. I love you, happy birthday.
• Work hard. Play hard. Eat loads of cake. That’s a good motto for your birthday and for life. Have a blast bro!
Heartfelt birthday messages your Wife will love
• Happy Birthday to my wife. Wishing a lovely birthday to the one that still makes my heart skip a beat!
• There is nothing that I want more than to spend the next one hundred birthdays of yours by my side. I love you so much, happy birthday!
• Thank you for everything you do. Let’s make this next year great together. Happy Birthday!
• Like fine wine we get better with age… or rather, we feel better about our age with lots of wine. Happy Birthday!
• Here’s to another year of questionable life decisions. I’m glad I get to make all of them with you. Happy Birthday!
• The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams. I wish you have an awesome year and all your dreams come true.
• I am glad about everything that happened in my life because it led me to you. Happy Birthday, you deserve the world.
What birthday greetings to write in the Girlfriend’s card
• Thank you for all the good moments that you brought into my life. Happy Birthday, love and I wish you all the best. Love you!
• Don’t worry about your age. You are still younger than your next birthday. Have a special celebration, my girl.
• When it comes to the love of my life, you are number one.
• I love spending time with you. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. Happy birthday girlfriend!
• Every day with you is a celebration. So today on your birthday we will have that 10x. That’s how special you are babe.
• What do you get when you mix brains, beauty and a winning personality-YOU. Happy Birthday!
• Happy birthday to someone who is as kind and beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside!
Best birthday messages for the Husband
• Without you I am nothing, let’s celebrate this awesome moment together. Happy Birthday!
• Putting a smile on your face is my number one goal today. You mean the world to me. Happy Birthday to you.
• You make me feel like I’m falling in love with you for the first time, over and over again. I love you, have a happy birthday!
• I would like to wish the man of my dreams Happy Birthday… but I will settle for you! Happy Birthday to the best husband.
• Happy birthday to the best husband ever…from the amazing partner of your dreams!
• Marriage is all about collaboration: We chat, we discuss the options…then we both agree to do it my way! Have the best birthday.
• My marriage still seems like a dream to me. We have gone through a lot and we always come out better and stronger. I want you to know that I love you. Happy birthday to the top man in my life.
• I am so lucky to have you as my husband and best friend. I am so happy to have you in my life. Have the best birthday.
Special birthday greetings for the Boyfriend
• On your birthday, I wish you all the health, success and happiness. Have a very Happy Birthday!
• I can’t find the cake underneath all these candles! Happy Birthday, [name].
• You are my moon, my stars and my universe. Happy Birthday to the best partner ever.
• To the most handsome birthday boy. I love, appreciate and cherish all the good times we have together. I hope you have the most special day.
• Every day is special when I am with you. But today is an extra special day because it’s your birthday, and I’m glad to share the day with you. Happy Birthday.
• Every day we spend together is a wonderful adventure. Let’s celebrate the awesome person you are today; I love you so much.
• Happy birthday to the most handsome and thoughtful guy in this world! May your day be filled with fun, happiness and joy.
• I would like to wish the man of my dreams Happy Birthday… but I will settle for you! Happy Birthday to the best boyfriend.
• I am so lucky to have learnt, laughed and grown so much with you. Thank you for being the best boyfriend a girl could ask for. I love you and have a happy birthday.
You can never go wrong by simply writing a line or two about how you love the person or telling them you hope they enjoy their day. It’s so much more meaningful to someone than just seeing a name scrawled at the bottom. Now you have some inspirational birthday card message ideas, your birthday card is going to make them feel extra special!