Ah, birthdays. They are normally a day where you are the center of attention and everything is just perfect. But there are those of use who were born on days where something else is being celebrated. Turkey, ghosts, or even the country. Yes, I'm talking about those babies who were very unfairly born on national holidays. Sure it sounds like it's a super fun time and everything you've always wanted but for those of us who actually have to live with it, it is quite the opposite. It's a day that is half about you and half about whatever else is being celebrated. And you thought birthdays were about you? Yeah, right.
I was born on July 4th and my older sister was May 28th, which had been a Memorial Day the very day she was born. Both of us were cured to the life of "National Holiday Birthdays". My sister got the lucky card since her birthday did not always fall on Memorial Day, but as for me? The date of the holiday literally never changes. Nor does my birthday. It's a curse that I will have to live with for the rest of my life.
Now, I know what you're thinking. It's something along the lines of "oh, you get fireworks" or "the entire country is celebrating you". I hate the break it to you and your optimism but that does not make it any better that I was born on a holiday. It's a horrible day to be born on. Let me explain.
You literally can do nothing for your birthday. Places and restaurants are packed to the brim with holiday celebrators or people just wanting an excuse to go eat out. I always wanted to go to my favorite restaurants on my birthday to get that special dessert or maybe a hat but half the time plans were cut short by crowds or we would have to go a different day. Oh and if you want a birthday party? Think again. It's impossible to have a birthday party actually on your birthday for several reasons. Half the time people go out of town for whatever reason or they want "family time" on these holidays. Your friends can never come over to just hang out for the very same reason! Birthday parties were always either a week before or after the actual birthday and they never had the same feeling to them. It didn't feel like a birthday. More like a gathering of friends where one is crowned and handed presents.
Not to mention but with all the excitement around the holidays, it is very likely that your birthday might actually be forgotten. People are planning out trips and lists and having fun that they forget something very, very important. The only reason my dad actually remembers my birthday is because it's the day after his. Sad, right?
But next time before you tell someone how cool it is to have a birthday on a holiday or how lucky they are, just don't. Half the time we love it because, yes, there is some really cool aspects to having fireworks in the sky on your big night but do you know how hard it is to compete with an entire country? Or Christmas? It is anything but a holly jolly birthday.
