— by Lin McNulty —

I don’t think I’m whining. At least I don’t mean to sound that way. Today is my birthday–one week following Christmas. For me, while growing up, that meant birthday presents wrapped in Christmas paper, or a combination birthday/Christmas present. And, of course, those instances where there was no money left after Christmas for a birthday party.

Worst of all, the Christmas tree always came down on my birthday; it was a sad event. When I became an adult and married, that tradition became a no-no in my house; either the tree comes down before or after my birthday, but not on.

On December 28, 2014, I became a great aunt for the first time. One of my first thoughts upon her birth was to wonder how her birthday would get integrated into the whole Christmas thing.

Being a New Year Baby (incidentally, born on the first day of the Baby Boom) I always thought everyone was celebrating my birthday–beginning with the festivities in Times Square and ending with the Rose Bowl parade. It was only much later I realized that, actually, the majority of the country was celebrating my birthday with a hangover.

I’ve talked over the years with a number of people who have birthdays surrounding Christmas. There have been some interesting work-arounds, including saving the birthday celebration until summer, but the majority of us Capricorns all experienced the same mash-up of holiday / birthday. I even have one cousin born ON Christmas. Her birthday never had a chance for its own celebration.

As I age, the juxtaposition becomes less important, enhanced by the fact that I don’t celebrate Christmas any more and have no expectation of birthday celebrations. My birthday now is just a quiet, grateful acknowledgment of being here for one more year.

But, man, when you’re a kid, it’s tough!

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