As the holiday season quickly approaches (along with, unfortunately, the usual end-of-semester chaos), I, like most others, cannot help but feel a sense of joy, the light at the end of the tunnel that is first semester. Especially as this will be my last Christmas as a resident of Naperville, I look forward to making memories which I can look back on, memories upon which my childhood will be remembered by. Unfortunately, my last Christmas as a child actually took place last year, in 2022. As of December 24, 2023, I will officially enter legal adulthood, missing another “childhood Christmas” by just a day (technically, under six hours if you take into account time of birth). So, as being born on Christmas Eve, and as being a Christmas Eve birthday for the past 17 (almost 18) years, here are some of December 24th’s greatest gifts, along with a fair share of misfortunes.
Pros
The “WOW!” Factor
As a topic of discussion (most notably when meeting people for the first time), my birthday serves as a great way to make small talk, breaking the ice even in the most awkward of situations (though, sadly, this works best only around the holiday season). A mention of my birthday often sets in motion a chain of reactions, with most taking some form of interest with the date itself. “Wow, you’re one day away from Jesus!”, “Santa’s best friend”, and “It must suck getting combined gifts!” are among some of the most memorable, though admittedly corny and awkward, responses which I have garnered with such information. Regardless, the few extra seconds of conversation is often enough (especially at larger gatherings) to warrant putting an end to an otherwise dull, uneventful exchange of small talk formalities.
Winter Break
Whereas other people often have to worry about whether or not their birthday falls on a weekday, weekend, or busy day in their schedule, December 24 leaves me no reason to worry about these things. Sure, I may have a gathering or two to attend (where by birthday, as already mentioned, comes in handy), but most concerns regarding schoolwork, extracurriculars, internships, and work have mostly subsided, leaving me all the room to enjoy my birthday as I please. I often used to overlook this aspect of my birthday when I was younger, unaware of the increased rigor that high school, and especially life as a high school senior, would bring. Now, in the midst of a chaotic semester characterized by school, activities, work, college applications, and more, being able to cherish a birthday, let alone two weeks of time off of school is all-the-more of a blessing.
Cons
The “WOW!” Factor (again)
Yes, the interest that my birth date generates is undoubtedly both exciting to see as well as useful within certain scenarios, but it may be more painful than it is beneficial. See, upon mentioning this fact, the common questions regarding “combined presents” are always ones which I internally wince at, being all too familiar with the concept. Whereas others have the liberty of asking for two sets of gifts—one for their birthday and one for Christmas—I often get the short end of the stick when it comes to the idea of “sets” of gifts. Having to see your “birthday presents underneath the tree” (a real quote said by my mom, ten Christmas’ ago, and it still hurts) is a pain which I would not wish upon my worst enemy. Seeing your gift potential (selfish, I know) being cut in half in the matter of a day, especially for a whiny, 8-year-old brat was as gut-wrenching as ever.
The “2-Day” Problem
Psychologically, this one hurts more than the last. See, when it comes to the prospect of getting gifts, I, like most others, have two primary days of looking forward to presents. The problem arises when, every time I discuss birthdays, Christmas, or presents, I remember that those two days are right next to one another. After those two days pass, I have to wait a whole year, another 365 days, until I receive the next set of gifts. I envied other kids who, having birthdays in March, June, and August, could get excited for their birthdays a month in advance, during February, May, and July. Meanwhile, I had nothing to be excited about (again, as a whiny young child) until December rolled around, and similarly had all the more sulking to do when December 26th rolled around, aware of the misfortunes that my December 24th birthday had so unfairly given me.
In all seriousness, I wouldn’t change my birthday (though my 8-year-old self might have). It brings a different type of self-identity, or uniqueness which I have learned to appreciate. More importantly, as I mature and meet more people, having the “WOW! Factor” on my side may not be the worst thing, after all.
Thanks for sharing your insights on the birthday Christmas intersection with both the pros and cons. I have enjoyed reading your blogs this semester.
Hi Aarohan, this was an enjoyable read. I, like you, and basically others really like Christmas, especially since there is a winter break that goes along with it too. It is nice, like, to take a break, and be off school, and have more time to do what you want to do. Unlike your birthday, my birthday is in April, which I like because I usually get one gift on Christmas and one gift on my birthday, and I do not have to wait too long before getting these gifts. But at least you get the same amount of gifts and probably are very happy when Christmas time rolls around.I also have something with my birthday too, as my sister and mom have birthdays in April, and my mom has the exact same birthday as me. This sparks conversations when I meet new people and I usually get that it’s cool and the conversation slowly dies on from there.
Hey twin, this was a great read. Also being born on Christmas Eve, I resonated with a lot of your points here. Every interaction I have when sharing my birthday starts with shock, and then is followed by “do your presents get combined”. Although tiring, it is a pretty valid question. I’m lucky enough to have my parents understand and let me use it tactically. Sometimes I’ll combine them to justify a larger gift, or I’ll get a few smaller things. As for the cons, one of the biggest ones for me that you didn’t list was the fact that it’s on winter break. I know you listed it as a pro, but I always find that I have to celebrate my birthday early or late. By the time my actual birthday rolls around, “family”, “Christmas”, or “vacation in some tropical area” is apparently way more important. But, it was nice to hear that you had the same birthday, and I definitely wish you a happy one this month!
Thanks twin
Aarohan, I’d like to start off by wishing you an early happy birthday. Eighteen is a milestone date and this is just in case I forget or don’t see you again until next semester. Regardless, when you mentioned the pro of not having to worry about school on your birthday, I was a little jealous. It is the exact opposite scenario for me as my birthday usually falls on or near the beginning of school starting once we come back for break. This was especially tragic during middle school since I would always have Performance Series Testing on my birthday, however, I’m glad one of us can enjoy some time off. One pro I do have however is that I still have the privilege of two gifts across Christmas and my birthday. Regardless, I hope you have a fun birthday and your first Christmas being 18 treats you well.