Having children born around major holidays is often seen as charming. My daughter celebrates her birthday on Halloween, my son a week later, and another son just days before Christmas. When they were little, we thought it was delightful to have birthdays so close to these festive occasions. But now that they’re older, we’ve come to realize a harsh reality: holiday birthdays can be quite disappointing.
For kids with birthdays during the holiday season, it often feels like they never get a day that’s truly theirs. Throwing birthday parties can be a real struggle. Everyone is busy with holiday plans, whether it’s a Halloween event, a Christmas gathering, or visiting family. As a result, they either miss out on having a party altogether or end up celebrating weeks after their actual birthday. We once tried to mark our Christmas son’s birthday in the summer as a half-birthday bash, but it felt awkward, and we never attempted it again.
Even when holiday birthday parties do happen, they frequently blend into the holiday celebrations. A Halloween birthday party? It’s more like a spooky extravaganza where your big day gets overshadowed by costumes and candy. Kids are more focused on the Halloween festivities than on celebrating you. At first, it seems fun, but eventually, the novelty wears off, and they crave a celebration that’s just about them.
When it comes to Christmas birthdays, the situation doesn’t improve. Everyone is wrapped up in the holiday spirit, and finding venues for celebrations is challenging. My eldest son has only had one birthday party with friends in nearly ten years, and that certainly wasn’t for lack of trying! Imagine corralling a group of kids during the holiday rush—it’s no small feat.
The worst part? Everyone tends to combine gifts. My Halloween daughter and son often receive Halloween-themed presents that, while appreciated, aren’t quite the same as getting gifts specifically for their birthdays. And don’t even get me started on my Christmas baby—he often receives a combined birthday and holiday gift, and many people can’t attend his celebrations.
It’s disheartening to see them lost in the holiday shuffle. Despite our efforts to prioritize their special days, it’s tough to compete with the holiday chaos. Decorations and cakes often end up being holiday-themed, and presents frequently arrive wrapped in festive paper, which only adds to the disappointment.
Having holiday birthdays can mean giving up control over how to celebrate, which can be incredibly frustrating. We should have considered this before planning our family’s timing. I was relieved when my oldest son didn’t arrive on Christmas Day, but he was still born just a few days before, which felt close enough.
In the end, holiday birthdays can be a mixed bag for kids and parents alike. While some may embrace their holiday birthdays, it’s important to understand the challenges they face. You can show support by ensuring gifts are separate, avoiding holiday-themed decorations, and making an effort to attend parties for kids like mine. For more insights into parenting and family life, check out this blog post.
In summary, holiday birthdays often lead to a lack of individuality in celebrations, with kids feeling overshadowed by the festivities. It’s essential to recognize their special days and provide them with the attention and unique celebrations they deserve.
Keyphrase: Holiday Birthdays Challenges
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