As the holidays grow closer, it's time to comment on a lesser known struggle of this season: Holiday Birthdays. As someone who will forever know the struggles of being born on Christmas Day, I've decided to share the best and worst things about being born in the most festive time of the year.
1. Good: You are born on a Holiday!
It's wonderful! Your family is always nearby, with the visits depending on which holiday you celebrate and you've never felt closer to those you love.
1. Bad: You are born on a Holiday.
While you get to see your family all the time, you never get a moment alone. Everyone wants to share the warm and fuzzies, but you just want five minutes of peace. Even worse, your friends are all too busy to hang out and celebrate because they're with their own families too.
2. Good: Everything is already decorated!
Birthdays are always great because everything is decked out to the nines. Whether there's a tree, a Menorah, or other religious symbols, it's a beautiful sight to see.
2. Bad: Everything is already decorated.
That includes your wrapping paper. Don't forget those holiday birthday cards that mention both events in one phrase.
3. Good: You get extra gifts!
While it actually isn't extra, it feels that way. Wherever you're opening your presents, there's always more in your pile than your siblings because of your birthday.
3. Bad: You get less gifts.
Sometimes you have family or friends that use your holiday birthday to use the excuse of just buying you one gift. "But it cost more!" They cry. It still doesn't explain why you bought them two presents in one year and they only got you one.
4. Good: You don't have school on your birthday!
You'll never have to worry about taking a final on your birthday or having that class you really hate. Instead, you can loaf around your house while your family celebrates you.
4. Bad: You don't have school on your birthday.
You'll watch with envy as those with school-time birthdays bring cupcakes and cookies to class as everyone sings to them. Maybe you picked a random day to do the same before or after the semester, but it isn't the same.
5. Good: You can plan a cool birthday party!
Lazer tag? Awesome. Sleepover? Heck yeah! Ice skating? Rent the whole rink out, please. There's so many cool things to pick from and depending on where you live, awesome outdoor activities like snow-tubing or skiing! And you don't have to worry about weekend or weekday because there's no school.
5. Bad: You're limited on birthday party plans.
On the other hand, if there's a snowstorm you can kiss that party goodbye for a few weeks. Most likely your friends are all away and can't make it. Maybe you even wanted to celebrate your half-birthday to host a beloved pool party, but the same fault arises: everyone's away.
6. Good: There's fun music to listen to!
Starting in late November, the holiday tunes begin rolling in. If you're like me, you're certain to crank up the tunes as you drive home from Thanksgiving and you belt along every day until you can't handle it anymore. It's just so festive and catchy!
6. Bad: The music is everywhere.
If you're like most people, there's too much Christmas music and it's freaking everywhere. The grocery. The mall. The coffee shops. It. Won't. Go. Away.
7. Good: It's impossible for everyone to forget your birthday!
With two events on one day, family and friends always remember your birthday and make sure to wish you a happy birthday and happy holiday in one phrase. You get the warm fuzzies inside knowing that you're just as unforgettable as the day itself.
7. Bad: Everyone forgets your birthday.
Somehow, as the time rolls around, you'll casually drop the date of your birth in a sentence. Whether it's an old friend or a new one, someone is bound to blurt, "Oh my god, that's right! I almost forgot!"
Whether you love them or you hate them, holiday birthdays are as much of a blessing as the holiday itself. So cozy up with your loved ones and be sure to wish everyone a Happy Holiday and to those of us birthday babes, a Happy Birthday too.
