Besides the obvious which would be something like maybe trying a new hobby, exploring other interests, etc... I would take some time to maybe do things that you might've put off over the last months or year. It doesn't necessarily make me feel great, but there are times where I try to make a "game-plan" ( either in my head or that I write down) to fix that broken item, to clean out that refrigerator, closet, garage, vehicle, etc, or to tackle that file cabinet and throw out all those old papers that I no longer need. At the very least it can provide a small sense of accomplishment and at the end of the day sometimes I'm just too tired to feel all that depressed. This may also be a good time to visit a friend, go to a state park for an afternoon, go somewhere that you've been wanting to go but just didn't have the time or motivation before.

With all that said... I also think that these kinds of times are great opportunities to write letters to each of those people in your life that mean so much to you. It would be a nice gesture and I have no doubt that they would all love to see how much they are appreciated and missed when they aren't there.

This is also a great time of year to do some yard-work, plant some flowers or even pot some plants for the indoors. Can really help to occupy your time and make you feel a little better.

Embrace those opportunities.

I struggle enough when my parents / therapists are away when it isn't my birthday so I can't imagine how it leaves you feeling.

I totally get that you're happy for your parents to be going away. I'm the same with mine. I INSIST they go away regardless of how it leaves me feeling because I'd feel so much worse knowing I was stopping them being away.

All I can suggest is to try and fill your time with something you would normally enjoy doing. Maybe start a project?

I know it's childish (and I should be a grown up) but quite often I try and get myself a Sims 3 addiction when I know my parents are going to be away.

Or I go on a health kick and try to gym and swim as much as possible.

Your parents are going to be away and you're going to be on your own. That's the fact. The end result is that they're going to come home again. In between that is up to you .... you can let it ruin your time and sit and look at your hands and feel sorry for yourself.. or you can let it ruin your time but keep busy in the process. You might find you even enjoy it.

Can you arrange for any friends or family to meet up with you? I normally covertly plan a few meet-ups just so I can keep seeing someone.

I have noticed sometimes that birthdays can be hard I would have this expectation that it should be this wonderful day, but it makes it all the worse if no ones around to share it with.
Anthony42 has some nice ideas' I like to garden so for my birthday I might buy myself a little gift like some flower seeds or bedding plants the outside work always helps my depression.
sometimes I would make a plan just to go out I have a friend who is often able to meet me for lunch that makes me feel special. Maybe you could plan ahead ask someone to have lunch even if it is only fast food or a sandwich at the park. When I am on my own sometimes just a phone call is all I need to feel a little better you could let your parents know you would like a call on your birthday. You can visit this support group and let us know it's your birthday people here really do care. So maybe think about what you would like for your birthday write it out get a game-plan together do something nice for yourself and I hope you have a nice day.

Ya , my birthday is dec 27. So needless to say everyone forgets mine..i dont get a single phone call from anyone. My mom used to call but she died 3 yrs ago. And despite the fact that the birthday of the day is posted right on top the facebook page where its the first thing u see when you log in, I dont even get a well wish from any one of my 200 something friends there either....its kind of a bummer

I dont live in AK anymore because I dont have much of a support system either so I would probably be really open to getting to know someone on their Birthday :-).......Your day is a special day no matter who is there with you :-).......treat yourself to something special :-)

Okay, I promise to not ask you to check your glass, or or ask you to look on the bright side. The only thing I can ask if you would allow us to support you and be here for you when everyone else leaves? I'm going to write your birth date on my calendar so I don't forget to send you a birthday wish. As far as anything else goes, I'm at a loss. I hope I haven't upset you by what I have said. Hugs GB

Birthdays have never been that big of deal to me as was very poor growing up. But just have a YOU day. So spoil yourself....Stay in bed just that bit longer. Buy a few things for yourself. Pamper yourself get a hair do make over etc Just make it about you. Probably time you did some of those things for yourself but if like me feel a bit guilty on spending money on yourself. But is your day

Thanks everyone for your replies. I knew I could count on you.
Anthony42, you really did have some good ideas. I think spring in Alaska must be very different than spring wherever you are, because we cannot do any gardening until like the end of May (boo :( ) But I get what you're saying. I'll have to brainstorm some ideas.
Floopy, I agree I need to rely on my support system, it's just a don't have many people. So, the only people left will be my husband, my cousin and my one and only friend. But maybe doing something fun and silly and childish would be good.
Someblueday, I will rely on the DS community, as I have come to do more and more as I get to know the people here.
Freakchic, holiday birthdays are particularly brutal, I'm sorry that yours often goes unnoticed. Nonetheless, you must have a lot of people out of town for your birthday too.
Gramybear, that's a very nice gesture for you to put my bday on your calendar ;)
Maxheadroom, I agree spoiling myself sounds really nice. I'm thinking of going to brunch with my good friend. mmmmm....mimosas.....
Anyway, thanks again for all your replies. I appreciate it!

The weather in Texas may indeed be just slightly different than that in Alaska... LOL! I didn't even consider that, but you made me smile!

Okay... scratch the gardening idea off the list lol.

Happy Birthday.

Take yourself out to eat.