I have a love-hate relationship with my birthday, as I'm sure most other people born in December do. We love the extra presents and the joy of the Christmas season, but there are other things that non-December babies might not know. With my birthday on December 16th, I can attest to the struggles of being born during the holiday season.
1. The uncertainty of how you spend your day
Having a December birthday can create some anxiety. Will I be studying for exams or be at home that day? It's essentially a matter of luck depending on how I celebrate my birthday. People born in the summer can pretty much guarantee spending their birthdays on a leisurely, warm sunny day. Last year, I had my last final exam on my birthday. This year, however, I will be spending my special day eating cake and watching bad reality TV at home.
2. Party?
December birthdays are kind of like summer birthdays in this sense. During the holidays, people are out of town and have a ton of other parties to go to. If you decide to have a birthday, let's hope people show up and it doesn't turn into another holiday party.
3. The uncertainty of whether you will receive two gifts or the unfortunate joint birthday-Christmas gift
Double the gifts? NO! Being a December birthday, especially before Christmas, presents the opportunity for adults to give you one gift for two occasions. I can't count the number of times I have received gifts that said, "Dear Heather, Happy birthday and Merry Christmas!" Call me selfish, but it's always a disappointment when you receive only one present for two gift-centric events.
4. At least we get a second chance with presents
Hey, if you didn't get what you wanted for your birthday, at least you don't have to wait another six months to get that present you really wanted. At least Christmas is coming soon!
5. But then there's the waiting
Before you know it, your birthday and Christmas celebrations have already passed. After Christmas, you have to wait a whole year until you can celebrate yourself--and ask for those gifts you didn't get.
Despite all that
I love my birthday and I wouldn't want it any other day of the year.