As Christmas approaches, gift-shopping season has officially begun. Unfortunately for many of those born around the holiday season, their birthday celebrations often get forgotten about amidst the seasonal festivities.
What with all the Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve gatherings and celebrations, it’s not a surprise that holiday birthdays tend to get lumped into the merriment mishmash. Not to mention the financial pressure many people feel at having to purchase two presents in such a short time frame. But if you are close to someone born in December, you should make it a point to recognize their special day, and ensure their birthday truly is a happy one.
Here are some suggestions to help you create a December birthday celebration and avoid hurt feelings:
Plan Ahead For Upcoming December Birthdays
Write upcoming birthdays in your calendar, and take early note of those in December. Set aside funds in advance or simply purchase their gift early – that way, you won’t feel the financial crunch around holiday season.
Parents, Consider Bribery
If you are planning on throwing a birthday party for your December child, you may have to put more effort into the event. You’ll have to plan and think big in order to entice the other kids: provide entertainment, such as clowns or magicians. Create a theme and decorate accordingly. Send out creative invitations with a “programme” of the upcoming event. Or turn it into a sleepover with the birthday person’s favourite friends.
Don’t Wrap Birthday Presents in Christmas Paper
Avoid holiday colours (red and green) and stick to traditional birthday wrap.
Don’t Forget the Birthday Cake
Although this is the season where Christmas baking is in abundance, birthdays occur only once a year, so don’t rob them of this annual tradition.
Never Utter the Following Phrases:
Merry Birthday; Happy Christmas; Merry Happy Christmas; Happy Merry Birthday or... well, you get the picture.
Never Even Consider the Dreaded Combination Gift
This is the ultimate birthday cardinal sin. The recipient will likely pretend to be nice about it, but look closely...you'll probably notice the telltale Gift Rage Grimace. The same rule applies for the Combination Card...just don’t do it. Always give a separate card for each occasion, one for birthday and one for Christmas.
Never Wish Them a Happy Birthday as an Afterthought at a Christmas Gathering
If you weren’t able to call or see the birthday person on their actual birthday, at the very least get them a belated birthday card.
It Isn't Always About the Gift
There are many thoughtful and creative ways of making the birthday person’s day memorable. Take your special someone on a birthday outing. Make a day (or night) of it and do something you might not normally partake in: go to the spa; visit a local art gallery or museum; go bowling or ice skating; go to the opera or ballet; anything you think the birthday person might enjoy. Get creative and plan a day with fun activities and surprise them with your ingenuity. Make a donation to their favourite charity in lieu of a gift. Whatever you do, your thoughts and efforts will be genuinely appreciated.
December can be a fun time to have a birthday as long as it doesn’t get lost in the holiday shuffle. Making a point of keeping the two occasions separate is the key to a successful December birthday!
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