Happee Birthdae, Harry!
The Boy Who Lived was born 34 years ago today in the quaint town of Godric's Hollow. (He starts Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry when he's 11 in 1991, so math proves he was born in 1980.) This special day is also shared with another incredible person: the author of the Harry Potter series herself, J.K. Rowling. Happy birthday, Jo! (Can we call you Jo? Are we there yet? I think we are.)
As [one of] the world's greatest literary character celebrates another year of living on in our hearts, we've put together a sweet list of what you can do to celebrate - from one nerd to another.
See also: 21 Things to Look Out for in Diagon Alley, Universal Orlando's New Harry Potter Experience
Make Homemade Butterbeer
What better way to honor someone than toasting to their health with good spirits? Though Harry's favorite beverage may be non-alcoholic, it's still delightful (and you can make your own alcoholic version). The Internet provides a bevy of good recipes for a homemade batch. Try the Food Network's recipe that's simple enough to follow.
If all else fails and your kitchen skills prove to produce actual flying sparks, drive up to a Starbucks and order yourself one. Repeat after me: "I'll have a crème based frap with three pumps of caramel syrup, three pumps of toffee nut syrup, whipped cream, and caramel drizzle."
Have a Harry Potter Movie Marathon
Uh duh, this is obvious. Make plans accordingly so you can schedule off a solid block of about 20 hours - give or take a few if you want to sit through all the DVD extra features. Shake things up by watching the films in order from your most to least favorite - because everybody knows The Chamber of Secrets was more of a stepping-stone movie and Bonnie Wright was all kinds of ugh as Ginny.
To really get your emotions rolling, pop in The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 first and just wait for that ultimate Snape moment: "After all this time?" "Always." GETS ME EVERY TIME!
