I’m not a Christmas baby, but I have a sister, a nephew, friends and a cousin who have birthdays the day before and the days after. They’re not crazy about their birthdate and with good reason.It’s important to make Christmas birthdays special, especially if they are for friends and family! It’s commonly heard that if your birthday lands on any of these critical days, then more than likely a.) you’ll get one gift that counts for Christmas and your birthday, b.) you’ll get a birthday gift wrapped in Christmas paper, c.) your friends are busy spending the holidays with family, d.) your family temporarily forgets it’s your birthday, and the list goes on. Just as we get one day of the year that’s all about us, they deserve one as well.
birthday cake (Photo credit: freakgirl)
I interviewed my younger sister briefly, mostly to get a first hand account of what it might feel like to share your birthday with Jesus. She was eager to share that her birthday, the day after Christmas, was not such a bad thing considering the sales at the mall. She was teasing of course. She did, however, mention that having your birthday on or close to this huge holiday has it’s advantages and disadvantages. For one, Christmas is the holiday on which most families will make an effort to get together and spend quality time. Major plus. Pro numero dos — it’s the jolliest time of the year. Therefore, don’t be a Scrooge. Also, don’t forget that this is also the holiday that boasts fantastical feasts and delectable desserts. Embrace it.
I’ve mentioned a few of the negative aspects of being born on or during the Christmas season. Allow me to elaborate. People tend to have budgets for Christmas gifts and unless it’s close friends and family that know how important it is to make you feel special, you more than likely get told that your Christmas gift also counts as a birthday gift. How annoying is that? Everyone else gets a whole day of indulgence and fun perks plus the holidays, while the Christmas babies get birthdays gifts wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper. Not only that, but the majority of your friends are out of town or too busy hosting family get-togethers to really come to any birthday party near your actual birth date. Bring on the birthday parties that are two weeks early or two weeks late. Joy.
I’ve learned that doing unto others as you would like done unto you truly is the golden rule. If any of your friends or family members have a birthdate during the holiday season, think about how you like to be treated or celebrated on your special day. Make the extra effort to visit a friend or plan a special gathering in honor of their birthday. Budget in extra cash for a separate birthday gift and wrap it in something that is not a recycled Christmas gift bag or box. The little things really do make a big difference and there’s no price on making someone’s day.
Birthdays are my favorite because they’re an annual reminder to celebrate that we’re alive and to be grateful for the blessings in our lives. I’m aware that a birthday isn’t an achievement, but I’m also aware that birthdays are a gift of one more year of life. Cherish the special people in your life and the moments you’re permitted to spend with them.
Shop our Bulk Birthday Party Collections and visit our Pinterest page to gain inspiration for fun decorating ideas!
Sisters stylin’ with our My Paper Shop Chic Birthday Party Hats!
