My mom hates her birthday. She’s always hated it. Not because of her getting older, but because of the timing of it. Her birthday is December 22nd, exactly three days before Christmas. Here are some reasons why December Birthdays are the worst.
1. College finals.
Depending on what day of the month your birthday is, you may have a final on your birthday. Finals are terrible in general, but having them land on what is supposed to be a celebration of your birth makes them even worse. Or, maybe you won’t have a final on that day, but it’ll be before your finals. Either you’ll be studying, or regretting procrastinating studying. Also, many of your college friends might not be able to make the time to go out and celebrate with you. You understand as grades come first, but still, it isn’t any fun. Just another reason to hate finals.
2. Travel plans.
As it is the holiday season, people are traveling everywhere. Again, depending on your date of birth, you may have to get on a plane and go somewhere on your birthday. No one wants to spend their birthday going through security at an airport. Plus, your family might be so stressed about traveling that your special day might take a back seat. Or, if family members are coming to visit you, picking them up might take precedence. For example, my grandparents always came to town on my mom’s birthday. So, she spent her day getting the house ready for visitors, making meals for them, and driving to the airport to pick them up. So much fun.
3. Everyone has holiday plans.
When you try to plan an event, you can’t. Between people leaving for the holidays or having their holiday parties, it can become impossible to celebrate with everyone. Planning a party with friends and family is difficult to begin with, but during the holiday season, it’s even more of a challenge.
4. You get combined presents.
You understand, shopping is hard for everyone. But instead of getting one present for your birthday and one for Christmas, people, end up combining the two, so you only get one present. It isn’t fair, as you should get two separate presents for everyone else. However, inevitably it will happen, and you’ll have to act excited and be gracious.
5. When you do get birthday gifts, it’s in holiday wrapping.
This is a minor issue, yes, but still, it’s obnoxious. You’re already upset about the holidays falling on your birthday, so to be reminded of it is even more stressful.
6. You’re poor.
No one has any money at this time of the year. Including you. Even if you had time to have an amazing birthday celebration, you wouldn’t be able to. You’re spending money on everyone else’s presents, flights, and party supplies for your family’s huge Christmas party. You don’t have the funds to treat yourself, which you should be able to do.
7. Tons of parties that don’t celebrate you.
You probably are going to tons of parties this time of year. However, none of them are focused on you. It’s the holidays or New Years, but not your special day. And, if you somehow do find a time to have a birthday party for yourself, it’ll probably turn into a holiday/birthday combo party. Or, your mom will just suggest celebrating your birthday when you’re with your whole family: on Christmas. You’re never the center of attention, which you deserve for one day.
8. You forget about your birthday.
You don’t have time! Even when you are having a great time, you forget about your celebration. There is no build-up to your birthday, and it sneaks up on you.
So, whether you have a birthday in December, or you know someone who does, make sure to take the time and celebrate it! The struggle can be real for those who have birthdays during this time, but your birthday is just as important as the everyone else's. So, make time to celebrate, buy one present for someone’s birthday and a separate one for Christmas, and let your December birthday friends know you care about their birthday, not just the holiday season.
