The moment I spotted that positive pregnancy test, a wave of anxiety washed over me. “Please don’t be a December baby,” I silently pleaded with the little one growing inside. I was all too aware of the implications. Those born around Christmas often receive just one gift instead of two because, as the saying goes, “It’s twice as big!” Spoiler alert: It’s never really twice as big.
Children born on or near December 25 often get only one cake, as the birthday celebration gets overshadowed by the festivities for Jesus. “You share a birthday,” they say. So, I prayed for a birthday that wouldn’t coincide with Christmas. My son arrived on December 20, right on schedule. I exhaled in relief, thinking at least he wouldn’t be a Christmas baby. However, having a holiday birthday still comes with its own set of challenges.
For instance, my other two kids have birthdays around Halloween, allowing us to throw a huge bash complete with loads of candy, costumes, and multiple cakes. It’s a festive week-long celebration that they believe is all about them. But a birthday in December? That’s a different story. The holiday theme is practically non-existent. Who wants to share their special day with baby Jesus? He always steals the spotlight. The sounds of festive music and the sight of twinkling lights don’t exactly set the mood for a birthday party, and let’s be real—no one is singing “Happy Birthday” while sipping eggnog.
Then there’s the issue of party attendance. Planning a birthday gathering during the holiday season is nearly impossible. Friends and family are too busy with their own celebrations to show up. If they’re not attending parties, they’re frantically preparing for them—cleaning, shopping, wrapping gifts, or perhaps hiding under the bed to escape the incessant carols.
And let’s talk about gifts. My son may receive more presents due to the combination of Christmas and his birthday, but it never quite equals the bounty of a typical birthday and Christmas celebration. Most gifts arrive all at once, often wrapped in festive paper that screams “Christmas.” So instead of a cheerful “Happy Birthday,” he’s greeted with “Here’s a gift featuring Rudolph!” every year without fail.
I know some individuals with holiday birthdays who seem to handle it just fine. My husband’s grandmother celebrated her birthday on Christmas Day and made it work with a family tradition of cake. A friend of mine was given an alternate birthday in April, which everyone acknowledged as the ‘real’ birthday, complete with cupcakes and festivities. Still, he often lamented not having a proper celebration on his actual birthday.
To navigate this holiday birthday situation, we try our best. We can light a candle, give separate gifts for his birthday and Christmas, and even use different wrapping paper. We might say no to eggnog on his big day, avoid the holiday shopping frenzy, and take a break from the overall holiday chaos, but we can’t control the world around us. The Christmas festivities are simply too overwhelming.
At the end of the day, celebrating a holiday birthday has its drawbacks. We might manage small celebrations, but the holiday spirit will always overshadow it. If you want to dive deeper into this topic, make sure to check out this post. For those considering options for at-home insemination, this reputable retailer has some great kits available. And for a comprehensive look at fertility options, WebMD offers excellent resources.
In summary, holiday birthdays can be a real challenge for kids. From the lack of a unique birthday theme to the struggle of getting friends to attend, it can often feel like their special day gets lost in the hustle and bustle of the season.