Students Share Mixed Feelings About December Birthdays

Ashlyn Paredes 
Staff Writer 
For students with December birthdays, the holidays can either make celebrating a birthday feel extra special or easily overlooked. Students with December birthdays completed a survey about their holiday experiences. The majority of the surveyed students celebrate their birthdays with friends and family. 
  Some students do not receive birthday presents or receive fewer presents because of Christmas. For most of the students, their birthday and Christmas presents are combined. Saydie Lindely said, “I get my Christmas presents, and then I just feel like my birthday doesn't count.” Many students feel like their birthdays are overshadowed by Christmas; however, some students enjoy the festivities that come with it such as the lights and snow. Other students dislike the cold weather and wish their birthdays fell during warmer months for outdoor activities. Most of the surveyed students have said that they usually celebrate with friends and family but that is not always the case. Friends or family sometimes cancel plans on students with December birthdays because of their own plans, usually Christmas parties. 
  One question asked the surveyed students about what their dream birthdays would look like, and the answers were all significantly different. Some students did not want anything to change and liked their birthdays exactly as they were. Ava Felter said, “Probably what I already have, my friends and family always know how to make everything I want.” Some students wanted something more complex. Megan Tonks said, “If my birthday wasn't in winter, I would love to explore another city or place I've never been before and, in the evening, end with something huge like a concert or party.” However, some students prefer something more simple. Jose Ruiz said, “In the summer outside playing a friendly soccer match with everyone I love.” Whether elaborate or simple, students consistently emphasized spending time with loved ones in their ideal celebrations. These diverse dreams reflect how December birthday students navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of holiday-season birthdays. For December birthday students, the perfect celebration often means finding ways to make their special day stand out during the busy holiday season.

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