Do you celebrate a December or Holiday Time Birthday in your family? Are you finding it a challenge to celebrate a birthday in the midst of Holiday Traditions? Discover 7 Tips for December Birthdays:
- Give Birthday Gifts. Avoid the urge to combine a holiday gift with a birthday gift and be sure to give the birthday child their gifts wrapped in birthday (not Holiday) wrapping paper. Keep this in mind all year, choosing wisely in the traditions you establish for birthday gifts (avoid going overboard on brother's June birthday if that will be impractical for sister's December birthday - while I don't believe in going to great lengths to be "even Steven" all the time, we try to "come close" on basic face value without giant discrepancies). Likewise, keep this in mind with regard to shopping and budgeting. Pick up gifts on clearance throughout the year or set aside savings.
- Honor Family Birthday Traditions. On 1st Birthdays, we create a Time Capsule for the Birthday child and keep this tradition for each of our children to then open the capsule on their 16th birthday. We also let the birthday child plan the menu for the day (whether home cooked or restaurant), and decorate the dining room with a birthday table cloth, banner, and balloons. Don't forget the cake and ice cream! If your child is born on Dec. 1, 17, or 23, do the same. If the birthday child celebrates on an actual holiday, consider setting aside the Saturday before or after for their menu choices and a favorite activity (i.e. movie, ice skating, or bowling). Whatever your family birthday traditions are throughout the year, remember to keep them in December too (even amidst the holiday traditions, don't forget the birthday).
- Take Photos. Take birthday photos every year. If your family takes annual Christmas photos, consider special shots of the birthday child in a special birthday (non-holiday) outfit. Continue the tradition throughout the year for all birthday kids. This can be professional photography or family snapshots, just remember to capture the memories!
- Encourage Family to Celebrate. If possible, invite the grandparents over for a celebration on the child's birthday. If they are out of town, encourage phone calls, cards, and reminders on the special day, setting it apart as much as possible.
- Birthday Freebies! Sign up on www.birthdayfreebies.com for great freebies. Kids love getting cards and coupons in the mail for special treats.
- Party! Party! Party! Every family celebrates birthdays in different ways, whether it is a party for each child every year, or every other year, or another pattern. If you throw birthday parties, plan December parties as early in December as possible or consider January. It's fine to celebrate up to 4 weeks before or after a birthday, so consider dates that work well for your family and friends as much as possible. Consult the birthday child for themes, and unless they request a "traditional holiday theme" (i.e. cookie decorating or gingerbread houses), try to choose a birthday theme as much as possible. Treat it just as you would any other party, making appropriate considerations for weather and calendar.
- It's all about Love! Your goal is to celebrate your precious child and celebrate the blessing they are to your family. Remember not to get caught up in worldly competition or pride and allow it to cloud your focus. Children NEVER want stressed mommies, and mommies want smiling children on their birthdays. Your goal is a HAPPY Birthday! Be sure to say "I Love you" and "We're thankful for you" as much as you can on birthdays and every day, and the rest will fall into place!
What are your December or Holiday Time Birthday Tips? Any great suggestions? With a December Birthday right around the corner in our family, I'll take all the tips I can get!
Written by Kristina Light