Most people assume that a Christmas birthday is the worst. It's not all bad. There are actually some pretty good perks.
The author in his birthday/Christmas sweater.
Cork Gaines
I was born on Christmas day, the rarest of birthdays (not counting February 29).
When most people hear that, their first reaction is always to feel sorry for me.
While I appreciate the sympathy, and there were some things I didn't like when I was younger, it is not all bad. There are actually some pretty good perks, especially now that I am older.
Good: I never have to work on my birthday.
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How many people can say they have never worked on their birthday? I am lucky in that regard. In fact, I often get several days — or even longer — off from work. And while they are not for me, my birthday is often filled with parties and festivities. For the most part, I associate my birthday day with fun and happiness. Not bad, huh?
Bad: People learning about my birthday.
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Every time I tell somebody my birth date or they look at my ID, I get the same reaction. They immediately look up and exclaim some variation of, "You're a Christmas baby! That must suck."
Good: Nobody ever forgets my birthday.
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On the other hand, my family and friends never forget my birthday. While it may be the rarest of birthdays, it is also the easiest to remember.
Bad: OK, my 21st birthday was kinda lame.
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Most college kids have a big celebration on their 21st birthday. For me, there was no going to the bars to celebrate with my friends. Instead, I was home with my family, a glass of wine, some board games, and in bed early.
Good: Spending time with loved ones.
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It would be nice to hang out with my friends on my birthday more often. However, as I have gotten older, I have learned to appreciate how lucky I am to spend my birthday with my extended family every year.
Bad: One present for two occasions.
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When I was younger, I got many Christmas presents wrapped in holiday paper with a birthday card attached. Looking back, it is silly to think that bothered me. But when you are a kid and don't know any better, it would feel like I was being robbed of a birthday present.
Good: More presents than I realized
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I didn't realize this when I was a dumb kid, but I probably got more presents in the long run because there were so many extended family members at the house.
Bad: Jealous siblings and cousins.
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It didn't matter if I got more presents in the long run or if I was really being getting screwed. My younger relatives were always jealous because I had more presents than them under the Christmas tree.
In addition, our family would have a second time of the day just for me to open birthday presents and get a cake. Now imagine you are a child on Christmas day, and there is one kid opening a bunch of gifts, and you aren't. I remember feeling a lot of guilt at times.
Good: I can wear this sweater every year.The author in his birthday/Christmas sweater.
Cork Gaines
Everybody loves the double meaning.
Bad: Waiting a full year for presents every year.
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My sister has a birthday in the middle of the year, and I was always jealous that she only had to wait six months for presents.
Good and bad: Everybody has jokes.
Cork Gaines
Some are better than others. This one was pretty good.
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