
So I read an article about the unfortunate side about having a birthday near Christmas. Most people who were born in December agreed that having a birthday near Christmas is awful. To be honest, I didn't think it was that big of a deal for me that my birthday is on the Winter Solstice. What is also funny is that I had classmates who spoke out for me on how "terrible" it must have been for me to get "Birthday-and-Christmas" presents, when I really wasn't upset at my own birth date. Growing up, I wasn't best with keeping track of quantity when it comes to presents and I didn't care if they used Holiday gift wraps for my birthday presents. I received some random things that I liked-- that was good enough for me.
I know for sure my birthday celebrations during some of my teenage years weren't the best. Then again, growing through total awkwardness makes things less ideal in general. As I got older, the celebrations did get better because I figured out a lot about myself and was more in touch with my taste. I think having a birthday near Christmas is nice because when it comes to late night outings, I can observe Holiday decorations. Sure, I may not be able to invite loads of people during my celebration since most are busy during December, but given that I'm a natural introvert, a big gathering isn't necessary for me.





Like the past few years, Adam took me out to dinner and we strolled around downtown and the neighborhood to observe pretty lights. All the birthday celebrations I had with him have been magical. Sometimes I confuse my own birthday for Christmas or Christmas just starts early for me.
On Christmas Eve, we wrapped gifts as we embraced the cute wrapping supplies we found from a box that Adam's parents had preserved. There were shiny wrapping papers, cute-printed sticker tags, and sparkly bows and ribbons to pick from. I was "that person" who likes to do pretty box- wrapping, therefore, I had enjoyed wrapping papers.
After that, Adam and I lie on a carpet in the dark next to the freshly-cut Christmas tree in his living room. The tree had colorful lights around, which made them looked like glowing skittles. We sniffed the tree scent-- it smelled like winter pine. As we lie down on the carpet next to the tree, we talked all night reflecting on childhood memories that mostly involved our past holiday experiences. Our conversation was a mix of sadness (nostalgia) and happiness rolled into one, and I can't really pinpoint why, exactly. But I knew that deep reflection from that night was quite a gift.

I wore my favorite cream-colored coat on my birthday. Happy Holidays!