Soon after I took a pregnancy test with Chapter 2 [actually, I took about 5], I learned baby’s due date would be sometime near Christmas. The simple “when are you due?!” question turned many into cynics about having my child’s birthday so close to Christmas. I’ve enjoyed this pregnancy, actually more than I enjoyed Joey’s, and have survived a Christmas season waiting on our little one to arrive [assuming I’m not writing this while in the hospital]. Although his due date has passed, we know he’ll DEFINITELY be in our arms by next week and that his birthday will be close to Christmas. So how did I endure the stress, questions, and fear mongering for future birthdays with having a Christmas baby? Here’s how. Oh and don’t worry, there were a few meltdowns along the way!
To manage the stress of the holiday season, ask for help!
Good lord what did parent’s do before the internet?! Ted and I finished our Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving [courtesy of the internet and a few babysitter planned night’s out]. Joey also had a stay-cation with Nana and Grandpa while we took a weekend off to get things “done” around the house. This meant completing the new baby’s room and organizing our own closet, bathroom, laundry room, you name it! I couldn’t imagine doing that with a toddler running around…
Your baby might be late because he/she loves your Christmas diet.
Yep. I swear that’s why Chapter 2 still isn’t here! He LOVES Christmas cookies. And so does his Momma!
It’s OK to say NO to holiday obligations.
We were invited to a few holiday parties this holiday season. And yes, I told Ted I just wanted to stay home. I know there will be more next year and for year’s to come. I wasn’t feeling like dressing up and looking like a Christmas ham— and honestly, he wasn’t in the mood either. We were homebodies this December and I loved it!
Embrace the negativity with a smile!
One of the most thoughtless comments that can be uttered to a mother due in December is that her baby will hate her for a December birthday. Other people love to relate how their father’s uncle was a Christmas baby and he hated it because he was cheated on a celebration or presents each year. It can be hard to brush off comments like this, but try not take them to heart. Your best bet is to smile and ignore them or simply change the subject — but if you’re in the mood, let the naysayer know that you’re planning to make your baby’s birthday special every year.
What could be better than a birthday that is both MERRY and HAPPY?
Most people ask me if having a Christmas baby makes the holiday season more frantic. I’ll admit that it was one of my worries 40 some odd weeks ago. In the end, our family has learned that having a Christmas baby is nothing to be worried about—it just makes the most wonderful time of the year that much more wonderful. Our Christmas baby will have an unforgettable birthday just like Joey, Ted, myself, etc. I’ve done my best to remain positive about his treasured birthdate and hopefully he will grow up reaping the rewards of being a special Christmas baby.
Moral of Having a Christmas Baby birth story….
If only we could all be so lucky to share a birthday or birth season as one of the most special, famous baby’s in history- baby Jesus! Looking back on the worry and stress that accompanied my initial reaction to having a Christmas baby, it was all so silly! I’m thankful to a. be having a baby and b. to be blessed with a healthy one at that.
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas. Please keep our little one in your thoughts and prayers as we await his [CHRISTMAS!?] arrival!!
Katie– love this post, and I’m glad you’ve seemingly brushed it all off! 🙂
Now, I’ll give you my take. My hubs birthday is TODAY, Christmas Eve, and he has always said it’s the BEST time of year for a birthday! He said it was always great because it was such a fun time of year AND his birthday– the best of both worlds. All his family was together time and time again around his birthday because it was so close to the holidays, so he always felt like the whole month of December was a month of celebration for him…and Jesus, of course. (He might be an only child… haha).
Bottom line, exactly what you said, it’s all in what you make it! Joey’s brother is going to be a holiday baby…and it’s going to be perfect! Can’t wait to hear of his arrival.
Merry Christmas!! xo
Love Patrick’s take! I needed to hear that this AM 🙂 such a great perspective. Hope you and your beautiful family have a wonderful birthday AND holiday celebration!! XO.
That pic of Joey in Santa’s lap is PRICELESS. 😀 He will see that and laugh at it one day!