How to Celebrate a December Birthday

Perhaps your family faces the same dilemma mine does: Christmas and birthdays falling on the same day...or pretty close to the same day. This is something I've faced all of my life. My sister's birthday is Dec. 21. I was born the day after Christmas. A niece and two friends are in the same boat.

With budgets already stretched, calendars filled and too many rich desserts already crammed into one month, it's tempting to avoid or under-celebrate a birthday. No need to do that - here are some ideas on how you can blend a birthday celebration into your already-busy December without straining your budget.

1. Find the time. Regardless of the age, nothing is probably more precious a gift as your time and attention. Maybe that means taking a friend out to lunch or arranging to spend the birthday afternoon watching your birthday boy play in the playground inside your local McDonald's. If allowed, consider taking cupcakes or snacks to your child's elementary school. This is one birthday celebration your child will never forget. One piece of advice: make sure the cupcakes are birthday cupcakes, not Christmas cupcakes.

2. Send a card. Most people with December birthdays can count the number of birthday cards they've received on their fingers. A present isn't always necessary, especially for adults. A birthday card, arriving amidst all the greetings of the season, will become a very special keepsake. (Plus the card may remind family members of the important date. December birthdays are that easy to forget!)

3. Celebrate it early or late. In some European cultures, this is bad luck. In America, it happens all the time. Usually it's just a day or two off, but in the case of a December birthday, a month or two off isn't too long. Most people will understand. If you feel like you need to offer a reason, explain that your holiday plans have forced you to party early. For children, the Friday after Thanksgiving is a natural. Most parents will appreciate the availability of a party, giving them shopping time on the busiest day of the year. And the expenses will come from November's budget...not December.