JbC's Guide To Christmastime Birthdays

My birthday is on December 20. I have a love/hate relationship with it. It can be really tough and a little sad for Christmas babies. However, if a few guidelines are followed it can be a magical time if the year.

Read on for Juicebox Confession's guide to holiday birthdays!

1. No holiday themed wrapping paper. No Santa's, no reindeer, no trees, no snowflakes and absolutely no "Season's Greetings". Stores sell birthday gift wrap all year. I promise.

2. No combination gift giving. "Happy birthday, friend! Here is your birthday/Christmas present. Enjoy!" Would you do this to your friends with June birthdays? Enough said.

3. Do not make the birthday boy/girl feel bad about being born near a major holiday. It is not their fault. Avoid saying things like, "I would have gotten you something but I am stretched thin with all my Christmas shopping, you understand." We don't understand. Trust me.

4. With that being said, do not give any holiday themed gifts. Being born in December does not mean we love Christmas and all that comes with it. (I adore Christmas and this STILL applies to me!) Please save the snowmen and Santa decorated items for Christmas. The exception to the above no gift rule is: If you have broken both legs, have no Internet access and developed amnesia and all you have is Christmas flotsam and jetsam, nothing is better than holiday themed.

5. Try to make the birthday out shine the impending holiday. My husband goes nuts decorating our house with balloons and streamers for a week surrounding my birthday. Set aside the holiday and focus on the person's special day.

6. DO NOT FORGET!!! Nothing says "You matter to me" than forgetting someone's birthday. Seriously. I know how cray cray life can get around the holidays. Set a reminder in your phone. Write it on your calendar in red marker. Tattoo it on your forehead. Whatever it takes, Do. Not. Forget. Their. Birthday. December babies have feelings, too.

7. Take advantage of the season! Family and friends are usually around. Everyone is ready to party. Throw a giant party and let everyone forget the stress the holidays can bring.

8. If you are lost for gifts or just plan out-shopped consider giving an experience. A manicure, pedicure, massage or other pampering procedure is a welcomed gift any time of year. Especially during the cold stressful days of Christmas.

9. If the birthday person absolutely LOVES the holidays and wants you to embrace them then ignore (almost) all I have told you and run with it. There are some December born folks who WANT Christmas to be invited to their party. Then there are the folks who love Christmas but would rather keep it separate from their birthday. It is up to you to know which person they are. Do not assume. Ever.

10. Above all, make sure your Christmas-time born friend feels special for their birthday. For that day pretend it is August and party accordingly. And whatever you do, do not invite the jolly fat guy.