As someone whose birthday is the day after Christmas, I have quite a good understanding of what it means to celebrate having a year added onto your age during the holiday season. Sometimes I hate it, but other times I think it's not so much a curse as it is a blessing. So here are some pros and cons that I think all of my fellow mid-December to early-January babies can agree with.
Pro: No school. This is probably the most obvious positive about having a birthday during winter break. You'll never have to go to class on your birthday, because there aren't any! Instead, you can wake up as late as you want and enjoy a stress-free day free with out any of the obligations of school such as homework, projects and tests. You'll never have to write a 1,000 word essay on your birthday, and that right there is a present in itself.
Con: No school. Okay, so I think all us winter break babies can agree that having a birthday during school isn't all bad. There's just something about walking around campus and having familiar faces greet you with, "Happy birthday!" that makes you feel good about yourself. It's like for one day, you're kind of a big deal. A celebrity, even. Being in school means being with friends, and with that usually comes baked goods, surprises and good vibes. When you're at home for winter break, it's likely that you won't have that on your birthday as people are usually with their families or out of town for vacation.
Pro: Double the presents. Even if your birthday present is wrapped in Christmas paper. This pro really depends on your family and friends. Winter break is packed with various holidays like Hanukkah and Christmas, during which gifts are usually given. Thus if your birthday is during this time of year, it basically becomes a holiday too. In my case, my parents know that I won't stand for having my birthday lumped with Christmas, so I get presents on the 25th and more on the 26th. I usually come back from winter break with enough new things and money to last me for most of the new year.
Con: People lump your birthday with the holidays. If you're one of the poor souls who has fallen victim to this injustice, then I am sorry. I mean, it's not like you asked to be born during this time of year. I personally know people who have friends and family give them presents for Christmas and also pass it off as a birthday present. Some family members pull this one on me too and let me tell you — it just isn't right. There's not much we can do about being robbed of our birthday or holiday presents except appreciate the fact that we got anything at all.
Pro: A prolonged celebration. If there are enough people out there who love you, then you can expect to be celebrating your birthday before, during and after break. This includes invitations to dinner, wrapped gifts given before or after the occasion because they won't be seeing you on your birthday, or simply sayings like "Happy belated birthday!" If you're turning 21, you probably won't have your sign night until sometime in January. This is kind of a bummer until you realize you get to celebrate being able to drink legally all over again, and this time with your sisters.
Con: People forget your birthday. If you told me you were born during winter break and this has never happened to you, I'd be convinced you were lying. It's depressing, but it does happen. Winter break is such a busy time of year what with the holidays, vacations and people getting ready for the new year. It's easy for something like a birthday to slip through the cracks. Typically, a friend or two might forget, which is something I can forgive. (It's always fun to be a troll and make them feel really bad about it so that they'll be extra generous when they try and make it up to you.) But if, say, your parents or siblings were to forget this very important day, then you have every right to be upset ... and sad.
All in all, having a birthday during winter break is just one of those instances where you have to take the good with the bad and try to make the best out of it. If you're feeling a bit down on your birthday this holiday season, just look back to this article for all the positives and celebrate!
