Being born in December can be challenging for many reasons, especially for children. The closer a birthday falls to Christmas, the more it gets overshadowed by the holiday season. Many kids with December birthdays don’t receive separate birthday presents and Christmas gifts; instead, they often get a single combined gift, typically wrapped in holiday paper. Additionally, planning birthday parties is difficult due to the busy holiday schedules. Even when friends can attend, they may hesitate to bring a birthday gift, preoccupied with buying holiday presents for their own families.
Worse still, December birthdays are often forgotten or overlooked. Even when families gather, the focus tends to be on the holidays rather than the birthday child. Many December-born kids end up with holiday-themed birthday cakes and celebrate in venues decorated with mistletoe and garland instead of balloons and streamers.
Making December Birthdays Special
Making December birthdays memorable requires extra effort, as even parents can unintentionally let the holidays overshadow the occasion. Here are some practical tips to ensure your December-born child feels celebrated:
- Delay holiday decorations. If possible, avoid putting up holiday decorations until after the birthday. For early or late December birthdays, wait to decorate the house or take down decorations early to focus solely on the birthday celebration. This may not be feasible for birthdays during the week of Christmas, but it works well for others.
- Plan parties strategically. Hosting a birthday party in December can be challenging due to conflicting schedules. Consider celebrating in November or January instead. This allows the party to be birthday-themed, ensuring the focus remains on your child’s special day.
- Choose a proper birthday cake. Never use holiday-themed cakes or cupcakes for the birthday. Your child deserves a colorful, character-adorned birthday cake with all the trimmings. A cake featuring a Christmas tree or Santa with “Happy Birthday, Sara” written on it is not ideal, even if it’s cheaper. Order cakes well in advance, as bakeries are often busy with holiday orders, and don’t forget the candles!
- Separate birthday and Christmas gifts. Just as you wouldn’t combine gifts for a child born in July, don’t do it for a December-born child. They deserve distinct birthday and holiday presents—it’s not their fault they were born in December!
- Consider a half-year birthday party. December’s cold weather often limits party venues, as many fun attractions are closed. Celebrate a half-year birthday in June or July instead, with creative banners and summer-themed festivities. This gives your child a chance to enjoy a birthday celebration separate from the holidays.
- Give cash for older kids. Older children with December birthdays often receive an abundance of gifts at once. Consider giving them cash for their birthday, allowing them to shop after the holidays for something they truly want.
- Opt for non-winter gifts. Holiday gifts often include winter items like slippers, scarves, or snowboards. Instead, consider spring or summer-related gifts for your child’s birthday. This way, they can enjoy their gift when the seasons change, extending the celebration.
Of course, December birthdays aren’t all bad. If your child’s birthday falls between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, they’re likely to see more family members during this time than most people see all year. Grandparents might send a check for a May birthday (or nothing at all), but there’s little excuse for not bringing a gift during a face-to-face holiday visit. Plus, distant relatives who visit once a year often bring both a holiday and a birthday gift.
Ultimately, you can’t choose your birthday. For December-born children, the holiday season may add stress and financial strain, but it also offers more opportunities to celebrate. Best of all, you get most of your gift-giving done in one month!
