december birthdays

All I want for Christmas is for someone to remember my birthday. You’ve seen the meme. But it’s only funny because it’s true. Holiday birthdays kind of suck. And because you weren’t smart enough to keep your legs together around March, give or take, you now have yourself a problem to navigate. As one that has experienced this “blessing” for 34 years, allow me to enlighten you on celebrating December birthdays.

 

But before we get too far into this, and you start labeling me a birthday brat, let’s be fair that I am speaking for the kids here. I put my big girl panties on years ago and am well over it. Let’s be honest, now I have a week off of work and am drinking wine for like ten days straight. Not so shabby. BUT I will use my voice for the voiceless. I will stand strong in the face of adversity for holiday children everywhere. And I will be certain they feel special because I was a Scrooge enough to make you feel uncomfortable looking past them any longer.

So yes, I landed the lucky birthday of December 29th, smack dab between Christmas and New Year’s. This good fortune meant that no one was ever in town and my presents were often in Christmas paper (like I’m baby Jesus or something) with a card that read “Happy Birthmas.” 

I think the icing on the cake for me were always the bowl games. Every.damn.year. Some boyfriend’s die-hard made the bowl that landed on my birthday. So dads, listen up, your kids are more important than football. Got it?

 

But there is hope. And here are the basics for survival for Christmas birthdays: 

TIP ONE

Birthday on Christmas Eve or Christmas day itself? Go big or go home. Make sure a portion of the day is 100% about them. Perhaps the BIG present is for the birthday and the smaller one is from Santa or maybe a little birdie tells Santa about the birthday and they get an extra present, not wrapped in red or green.

Additionally, find another day that is solely about the birthday babe.

TIP TWO

If not on the holiday itself, there shall be NO incorporation of anything holiday into their party. This is not an “ugly Christmas sweater” themed birthday bash. Like… don’t even wear red.

TIP THREE

As mentioned above- don’t combine presents and for the love, don’t use Christmas wrapping. You’re bigger than that. I know you can rise above the temptation here.

TIP FOUR

If the birthday falls just after Christmas — maybe redirect the decorations. Swap out the ornaments for a tree covered in birthday streamers and balloons!

TIP FIVE

When all else fails, focus on half birthdays. Or throwing the annual summer party that guests just learn to expect as “the party” not to miss.

The saddest thing about being a Christmas baby to me is that nothing was spread out. It was just disappointing more than anything. As a kid, think about it, all of your life surprises at one time? And no one even cares because they are so maxed out on their time and finances.

Every child deserves to feel so loved and so special on their birthday, no matter the time of year. I hope these tips help stop the stupid and allow them to shine. And as my parting words, if you RSVP to a holiday birthday party, don’t bail unless you’re bleeding or puking. If you know you can’t make it upfront, be serious about making their day special from afar.

2 COMMENTS

  1. I love this post! My son will be three this year on Christmas. We have a birthday party with family and friends every year but this year is the first year I think he might understand it a little more, and we have been trying to figure out what to do. I think we have decided to celebrate his birthday on the 26th. He has a “big” gift for each event so he doesn’t feel like he is missing out.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here