Tips for Making Your Child's December Birthday Special

When I found out that my second child would be born in December I was nothing but happy. When I began to tell people about the pregnancy I was shocked at the reactions of "Oh no, not a December birthday!," and "Poor kid, his birthday will always be overshadowed by Christmas." As a mom that always wants my children to have special birthdays, I am determined not to let this child's December birthday be any less exciting and special than my July child's birthday. Try these tips and ideas to make your child's December birthday special.

The Party Venue. While I typically like to have birthday parties at my house (it saves money and is a comfortable place for the child), to help make a December birthday special try to choose a venue that is completely free of Christmas decorations. A sports complex, community center building, or other location may offer a neutral spot for the birthday party. Decorate using only birthday appropriate decorations. Make the child's December birthday special by choosing a birthday party location that is free from Christmas decor (for one day anyway).

The Party Date. December is a very busy month for everyone. To make sure that sufficient friends and family can make it to a December birthday party, be creative with your scheduling. Rather than scheduling a typical Saturday party try choosing a Sunday afternoon or even a weeknight. While it is more difficult to pull together a party at a non-traditional time such as this, more people are likely to attend if you avoid peek times during the holiday season. Make your child's December birthday special with creative scheduling of her party.

The Gifts. When appropriate, please ask close relatives (i.e. grandparents and aunts and uncles) to not combine Christmas and birthday gifts for your child with a December birthday. As parents, this should be avoided too. Even if the gift is indeed larger than a typical birthday gift, the child will still feel disappointment in receiving combined Christmas and birthday gifts. A smaller birthday gift and small Christmas gift will be better received than a larger combined gift. To help make your child's December birthday special, avoid combining Christmas and birthday gifts into one gift.

Create a Countdown. Many households countdown to Christmas day with advent calendars. Try making your child's December birthday special by creating a birthday countdown calendar. Create a large paper countdown a week before the big day. Let your child rip away days or "x" off days as each one gets close to the big day. Counting down to a December birthday will help make it special and will separate it from the countdown to Christmas.

A December birthday certainly does not need to be a disappointment for a child. Try these tips and ideas to create a December birthday that is just as special as a birthday any other time of the year.