It’s my birthday month.
So, I drop eldest at school, Christmas tree and decorations up.
Yep it’s started, that overshadowing event.
For most people, it’s Christmas all the way..
For me, it’s that thing before my birthday as I was born in the days in between Christmas and New Year.
So, as a kid, the ‘that’s for your Christmas and Birthday’ schtick is real and a bit horrible.
Christmas Cards with ‘Happy Birthday Too!’.
The wish my birthday was in May, June, July instead.
It’s human nature, pressures of Christmas and then ‘oh no, little x has a birthday then too!!’, two presents to think about instead of one.
Even when older, ‘birthday drinks’ between Christmas and New Year can put some people off, especially if there’s also a weekend after Christmas Day.
So, it’s a bit of grumping, a bit of meh at the idea of Christmas.
Don’t get me wrong it could be worse and be an actual birthday on the day.
I could post on Facebook that ‘Yay, it’s my birthday month!’ for the lead balloon responses.
I get it, Christmas is the biggie, it’s the thing some seem to live for, the sparkle, the magic.
It also places a burden on those struggling to make ends meet, to those with depression and other issues. Forced happiness, ‘don’t ruin Christmas’ etc etc.
The stresses and strains of this time of year are real. Economic crises and cost of living issues will make it tough in 2022 for everyone.
Retailers lead the way with how they advertise and promote Christmas, it’s been in the shops and stores for weeks now. Signs and banners, the aisle with wrapping paper and decorations, the displays with chocolate gift boxes for kids.
They wouldn’t do it if they didn’t think the demand was there.
For me, it’s a struggle, I want my kids to enjoy their Christmas but it overshadows my life event. Always has.
So, there’s a bit of going through the motions for me. A bit of, I know I have to and some moments of disappointment in my memories.
So, if you have a child relative with a birthday before or after Christmas, make sure they get a Birthday and Christmas card, make sure they get a birthday and Christmas present. Think what you’d get them if it was, say August and be mindful that us people with December births want the same nice experience that people have at other months of the year.
Anyways, back to thinking Christmas presents and what’s needing doing..
Chic Gibson - A blog of sorts 