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Reasons Why Having Your Birthday On Christmas Is Neither Holly Nor Jolly

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I’m thrilled to share that my birthday is just around the corner, but it comes with a catch – I celebrate on December 25th, which means my special day often gets overshadowed by the festive atmosphere of Christmas. As someone who’s shared this experience with fellow December birthdays, I’ve compiled some thoughts on what it’s like to have your birthday on Christmas Day. For those who can relate, rest assured you’re not alone in feeling like your personal celebration might get lost amidst the holiday cheer.

People Straight Up Forget Your Birthday on Christmas


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It’s no surprise that I’m faced with this predicament. As I reflect on it, I don’t hold anyone to blame for feeling overwhelmed during the holiday season. The sheer magnitude of tasks and responsibilities – from traveling to cooking to gift-giving – can be daunting, even for those with the best of intentions. Amidst the chaos, a birthday on Christmas Day is often an afterthought, a trivial matter when there are so many other pressing concerns.

I Even Forget
What We’re Celebrating


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December 25th is a day of celebration for many, regardless of personal beliefs or traditions. For me, the date holds a peculiar significance – my birthday falls on Christmas Day, leaving me perpetually torn between excitement and sentimentality. As a child, I was thrilled at the prospect of Santa’s arrival, yet simultaneously aware that it marked Christmas rather than my special day. The juxtaposition created a sense of discomfort, as if I was caught in a state of temporal limbo. Perhaps it’s the peculiarity of having one’s birthday overshadowed by another celebration that contributes to this existential angst.

Are My Gifts For
Christmas or My Birthday?


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As people exchange gifts with loved ones during the holiday season, it’s become a tradition for individuals to purchase presents not just for immediate family and friends, but also for colleagues, acquaintances, and even pets. This collective gift-giving can be seen as a way for everyone to share in the celebratory spirit of birthdays and holidays alike. In fact, some might argue that this extended circle of gifting means those lucky individuals get to enjoy not one, but two celebrations: Christmas and their birthday! While it may seem like a small perk, it’s undeniable that the joy of receiving gifts is amplified when shared with others.

Never Had a
School Birthday Party


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Despite being perceived as cheesy by some, I never got to take a cupcake or treat into class for my birthday like many of my peers. Growing up before the advent of social media platforms like Facebook that constantly remind us who’s celebrating what milestone, birthdays were truly a surprise unless they coincided with school days.

Look Who I Share
My Day With


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While Christmas may not be directly related to one’s personal beliefs or religious affiliations, it remains a global celebration marking the birth of Jesus Christ. As an individual without a designated commemorative day of their own, I find it intriguing that my birthday is widely recognized and observed. While this peculiarity may have its perks – such as being able to claim global fame on a single day – it also serves as a poignant reminder of the significance attached to this particular date.

HOWEVER….


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While it’s common for people to feel underwhelmed by Christmas morning, there are some redeeming qualities to look forward to. For me, knowing that my entire family would be together for dinner and that I didn’t have to worry about going back to school the next day made those mornings particularly enjoyable. The collective excitement and optimism that fills the air during the holiday season is infectious, and it’s hard not to catch on. Perhaps Christmas morning isn’t as bad as we often make it out to be.