As soon as I confirmed my pregnancy, I began to hope fervently. “Please don’t be a holiday baby,” I thought to the tiny life developing within me. I understood the implications. A birthday close to the holidays often means a single gift instead of two, as people often say, “It counts for both!” Newsflash: it never really does.
Holiday babies often find themselves sharing their special day with festive celebrations. Instead of one cake, they end up with a shared dessert because, after all, “You can celebrate together!” So, I wished hard to avoid a holiday baby. I told myself to hold off until the new year.
Eventually, my son arrived on December 20, right on schedule. I felt a wave of relief wash over me—at least he wasn’t born on Christmas itself. However, he still ended up as a holiday baby, which is almost just as challenging. In fact, having a birthday during the holiday season can be pretty disappointing.
For instance, while my other children have their birthdays aligned with Halloween and enjoy elaborate celebrations filled with candy, costumes, and gifts, my holiday baby faces a lack of birthday-themed festivities. A Christmas birthday doesn’t offer much in the way of a unique celebration; no one wants to share their day with the festivities surrounding the birth of Jesus. It’s hard to compete with sparkling lights and carols when you’re trying to celebrate a birthday.
Moreover, organizing a holiday birthday party is an uphill battle. Friends and family are often preoccupied with their own holiday plans, making it difficult for them to attend. They’re busy with last-minute preparations, shopping, and trying to get everything done before relatives arrive.
Then there’s the issue of gifts. While my son may receive a few more items because his birthday coincides with the holiday season, it doesn’t feel like enough. Gifts often come wrapped in holiday-themed paper, with birthday greetings overshadowed by Christmas cheer. Imagine unwrapping a toy only to find it adorned in red and green, year after year.
I’ve met others with holiday birthdays who have managed to navigate this challenge. For instance, my friend Jake’s mother designated an alternate birthday in April, which allowed him to enjoy a full-fledged celebration with cake and presents. Even so, he always felt the disappointment of not having his actual birthday recognized in the same way.
In our family, we do what we can to make the day special. We light a candle, give presents that are distinctly for his birthday and keep Christmas gifts separate. However, it’s challenging to divert attention from the holiday chaos. We attempted to host a birthday celebration a few months later, but confusion ensued, and it felt chaotic.
Ultimately, there’s little we can do to escape the overshadowing presence of the holiday season on my son’s birthday. We can hold onto our traditions and try to carve out a special moment just for him, but the reality is that the festivities of Christmas will always take center stage.
For more thoughts on navigating parenting and the challenges that come with it, check out other posts on our blog, like this one on home insemination. And if you’re looking for resources related to pregnancy, this link is an excellent starting point.
In summary, sharing a birthday with the holiday season can be a frustrating experience for kids. Despite the best efforts of parents to create a unique celebration, the presence of the holiday often overshadows personal milestones.