12 Struggles (and 1 Perk) of Having Your Birthday on Christmas

I was born on Christmas. In one of my family photo albums, you'll find a picture of me only a few days old, wrapped in a red blanket, a bow on my head, tucked gently under our family Christmas tree. I'm sure every other Christmas baby out there has a similar image stashed somewhere in their family's archives.

Being born on Christmas — as you may have guessed — can be pretty sucky. Unless your parents were incredibly mindful to make sure you had twice the gifts and twice the cake (like mine — thanks, Mom!), having a Christmas birthday does not come without its struggles. We explore 12 of them here, plus one perk, because it's not all bad being a Christmas baby.

01
You'll have to wait all year for presents
Disney

You'll have to wait all year for presents

While the rest of the world gets two opportunities to be showered with gifts, you only get one.

02
You won't be able to do what you want on your birthday
ABC

You won't be able to do what you want on your birthday

Because literally everything is closed. Forget about Chuck E Cheese's when you're young or that spa day and Champagne brunch when you're older; it's never going to happen.

03
Your birthday is an afterthought
Fox

Your birthday is an afterthought

Christmas Day becomes an awesome game of "will they remember?"

04
The first question anyone will ask you as you grow up is "So did it suck being born on Christmas?"
MGM

The first question anyone will ask you as you grow up is "So did it suck being born on Christmas?"

The answer will always be "Yes."

05

You'll get combined gifts

It just ain't right, especially when it's a Simon (birthday) and batteries (Christmas). Though, you do learn to be strategic with this fact and lobby for one big gift. This is how I got my first cell phone. Pay attention, kids.

06
You'll never get a party on your actual birthday
Nickelodeon

You'll never get a party on your actual birthday

This also makes surprise parties totally unrealistic, but the only kind of party you dream of, ever.

07
If you do attempt to plan a party in December, good luck getting anyone to show up
Giphy

If you do attempt to plan a party in December, good luck getting anyone to show up

Getting people to come to yet another "holiday function" is close to impossible in the busy month of December.

08
Half birthdays become a thing
NBC

Half birthdays become a thing

But you'll spend the entire time explaining that your birthday is actually on Christmas, further reminding you that this really isn't "your day."

09
Eventually birthdays (and therefore, Christmas) become less of a big deal
Paramount Pictures

Eventually birthdays (and therefore, Christmas) become less of a big deal

This is bad for those who cherish their day of birth. You'll become the one who forgets your friends' birthdays, which is ironic since this whole thing started because EVERYONE FORGOT YOUR BIRTHDAY. Full circle, people.

10
You'll have a strong reaction toward those who celebrate birthday weeks or — even worse — birthday months
NBC

You'll have a strong reaction toward those who celebrate birthday weeks or — even worse — birthday months

Because having just one day to celebrate your recognized day of birth would be awesome in your world.

11
Your birthday becomes even further removed from anyone's consciousness when you have kids of your own
MGM

Your birthday becomes even further removed from anyone's consciousness when you have kids of your own

Because everyone knows Christmas is for the wee ones.

12
Except for those closest to you, of course
Disney

Except for those closest to you, of course

Even with the smallest of gestures, your closest friends and family will come through to make sure that your birthday is recognized.

The upside? You'll never have to use a vacation day for your birthday
NBC

The upside? You'll never have to use a vacation day for your birthday

Unless you work in hospitality or health care.