If you are a Christmas baby like me (and my husband) then growing up, you got gypped! You know – the whole one-gift-for-both-occasions thing.
There is a certain Christmas baby syndrome that you know well, as a Christmas baby.
As you watched your siblings and friends get Christmas presents and then months later, a whole new set of gifts and their own special day, you thought to yourself – man, why did I have to be a Christmas baby? All I got was a quick Happy Birthday and this lousy fruit cake!
So you never really got the attention you deserved on your big day – it got all mingled in with Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, St. Stephen’s Day/Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Your big moment was merged – an abomination for any kid! It was forgotten about and you’re tired of your mother telling you how instead of dealing with a stuffed turkey, she felt like one. Like it was your fault!
All that aside, we Christmas babies do have a lot to look forward to, especially as adults. Most of us will be home for our birthdays, surrounded by friends and family. And many of us will be off work that day, too.
And although it may be up to us to remind folk that our own day is looming, as well as the main reason for the season, with a little help and co-operation, your birthday has the potential to be the main dish of the day, surrounded by those you love.
Forget the combo-presents. We Christmas babies know that just comes with the territory and as adults, let’s hope we’re not focused on that anymore. Here are some ideas for we babes of the season as we celebrate goodwill to all, and our own day too.
Have a small party, using – yes – leftovers. Make sure your family or friends are hosting (or what the heck – host it yourself!) and do it before or right after Christmas so nobody is sick of seasonal food quite yet.
Chances are that your home (or that of your parents/family) will be filled with seasonal décor, food, drinks and great music. It’s an extra celebration just waiting to happen! Invite some good friends and family and celebrate your birthday – or if Christian- why not share it with the man of the hour?
If everyone is tired of lounging at home, head out with old friends to a restaurant. Why should you have to do all the work? Since business is often slow in the few days after the 25th, you might get some great specials and a night away from traditional holiday food.
And if worst comes to worst – take a couple of weeks until the holiday season comes to an end. It’s January, it’s freezing and everyone’s depressed that the fun has gone. What better time to enjoy a party?!
Spouses and partners take note – if you can’t celebrate your Christmas baby’s birthday on her actual day, she’ll understand it (she’s used to it) but will still appreciate a small splurge later on. Advise that gifts are not necessary (we’re used to that) but a fun day to relax and de-stress from a season that some of us find a bit overwhelming is a must.
If your child is a Christmas baby, he or she too will grow up knowing the fearsome Christmas baby syndrome but take care to take a day out so that he or she feels special, and so that his or her one big day of the year doesn’t get swept under the rug.
Send out invitations to the party well in advance so that school friends have a chance to respond and send a friendly reminder a few days before the party – people can forget with all the activity.
If you can afford it, make sure your child gets separate gifts from Christmas (Christmas layaway is great for this), or at least a special meal (not made from turkey) and a cake that does not involve stodgy fruit and nut combos with icing on top.
And if you are expecting a Christmas baby, don’t try to provide a big Christmas festival for the whole family. Have your spouse/partner fuss over other children you may have and look after you and your impending delivery.
Pack well in advance. Rest as much as you can and trust others to make the holiday a great one. You’re having a baby – so there’s a double celebration to enjoy!
Familiarize yourself with Christmas baby syndrome and make a pact to avoid it as your child grows older. Take comfort knowing that as your baby becomes an adult, he or she will nearly always be home for his or her birthday, surrounded by you and the rest of the family.
So yes, we Christmas babies still get comments about how unfair it is but we’re okay with it. We don’t need a big fuss like we did as a kid.
A call or a card or a hug is all we need. Just don’t forget us, okay?
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Are you a Christmas baby? Or do you have one? Tell us your story!