— 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!
Clearly an opportunity to celebrate “Conception Day”!
After all, isn’t that when you arrived on Earth?
;=)
Happy Birthday, Lin! I always thought it was handy having my birthday shortly after Christmas (it’s a few days after yours). My Christmas list doubled as a birthday present list and the tree stayed up through my birthday. I did sometimes wish I could have a summer birthday party, though.
Lin, I think it would be neat to pick a date that was a “new beginning” for you — we all have them — and proclaim that as your “birth” day! (Maybe the day you returned to Orcas Island — where you belong — to live?)
Happy Birthday, Lin!
Next time we accidentally run into each other at Eastsound’s 5-Star,’reservations only,’ restaurant, the renown ‘Lower,’ we will raise a glass of foamy mead, together.