As soon as I saw that positive pregnancy test, I found myself wishing for one thing: please don’t let this baby be born during the holiday season. The idea of a Christmas baby loomed large in my mind. These kids often get the short end of the stick when it comes to birthday celebrations—one present instead of two because, as people often say, “It’s all together now!” Spoiler alert: it’s never really “all together.”
When a child is born during the holidays, they often end up sharing their special day with Jesus. This means one cake for them and another for the holiday, because, “You’re both celebrating!” So, I had my hopes set against a Christmas baby. My little one was born on December 20th—thankfully not on the 25th. I exhaled a sigh of relief, thinking I had dodged a bullet. But a holiday birthday? That’s still pretty tough.
Birthday Themes and Celebrations
Let’s talk about birthday themes. My other two children were born in October, and we throw a huge bash filled with costumes, candy, and two cakes. It feels like Halloween is all about them! In contrast, a birthday around Christmas lacks a festive theme. No one wants to compete with the holiday spirit. Christmas lights and carols overshadow any birthday celebrations. Trust me, no one is singing “Happy Birthday” over a cup of eggnog, and fruitcake definitely doesn’t cut it as a birthday cake.
Even if you attempt to host a birthday party, good luck getting guests. Everyone is busy with their own holiday plans—cleaning, shopping, or frantically preparing for family gatherings. If they aren’t at a party, they’re likely prepping for one or simply trying to escape the holiday chaos.
The Issue of Presents
Then there’s the issue of presents. Sure, my son may receive a few extra gifts combining his birthday and Christmas, but it’s never on par with what a regular birthday and Christmas would yield. The gifts often come stacked together, especially from relatives who mean well. But it’s not the same. “Happy Birthday! Here’s your gift wrapped in Rudolph paper” becomes a yearly occurrence.
Personal Experiences
I know a few individuals who have holiday birthdays. My cousin’s grandmother embraced hers with grace, incorporating birthday cake into the Christmas festivities. A friend of mine had his mother declare another day in April as his “real” birthday, which they celebrated with the works—parties, cupcakes, and all. Yet, he still felt the sting of not having a proper celebration on the actual date.
As a family, we try to make the most of it. We can light a candle, give birthday gifts on the actual day, and keep Christmas presents separate. We even avoid eggnog and try to sidestep the holiday rush, but it’s a constant struggle. The world seems to prioritize the holiday over individual birthdays. Baby Jesus and his dazzling celebrations always take center stage, which can be frustrating.
Navigating Holiday Birthdays
In the end, we navigate the holiday birthday as best we can. We can celebrate with a small family gathering and hope for understanding from friends who may get a bit confused. There’s only so much we can do to combat the overwhelming holiday spirit, but we keep trying for our child.
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In summary, holiday birthdays can be a challenge for kids, often overshadowed by the festive season. While we attempt to celebrate our children’s special days, the mix of Christmas and birthday festivities can lead to confusion and disappointment. It’s essential to find ways to honor their birthdays while navigating the hustle and bustle of the holidays.