Just three more days until Christmas…

TRUE…but, it’s also my birthday and more importantly, it’s a lot of kids’ birthday. Not just today, but this month and from experience, I know that having a December birthday can be tough as a kid. It can also be really awesome with a little bit of planning.

So, what can you do? Here’s a list of my do’s and don’ts that can help make your Christmas baby’s birthday special!

3 Things to Avoid

1. Don’t double up your child’s gifts! I know this time of year can be really expensive, but they are separate events and deserve separate recognition just as if their birthday were in July.
2. Don’t wrap your child’s presents in Christmas paper. Use regular wrapping paper for their birthday present, and include a birthday card, not an edited version of a Christmas card.
3. Don’t let your Christmas baby’s birthday (no matter how old they get!) be an after-thought. I know this time of year is BUSY, and it can be easy to assume your child feels even more celebrated with all of the extra activities, but that’s not always the case.

3 Things to Do

1. Throw your child a birthday party. It may require you to get creative and do it at another time so friends and family can join, but still make it a priority! I’ll never forget the day that my parents showed up in the school cafeteria, cake in hand and my friends all there to sing me happy birthday before we left got out for Christmas break. It was so simple but 20+ years later, it’s still my favorite birthday memory.
2. Make them their favorite meal and have birthday cake. Skip the holiday-themed stuff…unless, of course, that’s their favorite!
3. Most importantly, make them feel special. Whether it’s just part of a day or you’re able to do an entire, day, make it about them and not all about the holiday season.

At the end of the day, it’s really not even about the gifts, wrapping paper, or food you eat. Your child, family member or friend just wants to feel loved on their birthday and not a burden or overlooked. Don’t underestimate the power of just remembering and making them a priority, even just for a short while!

Brittany Elise is a newborn and motherhood photographer in Tampa, FL. Contact us to reserve your session…including your birthday session!