A grade-schooler born during the winter holidays rarely considers it good timing for a birthday. Everyone is already celebrating anyway - homes are decorated to the hilt, gifts are given to all the kids, and favorite cakes and cookies overflow from the kitchen. Whether or not it's true, she may feel as if she gets less attention on her birthday than other kids do.
With a little strategizing, parents can ensure that the holiday-born child doesn't feel cheated.Make it special: One way to ease the resentment is to emphasize the connection between a child's birth and the holiday cheer, suggests Jean Marzollo, author of "Birthday Parties for Children." For example, tell her stories that intertwine her birth with the season: "You were born on the same day we lit the last menorah candle."
Another favorite is to use her birthdate to mark a holiday ritual. Set up the tree on her birthday each year, or do the outdoor decorations that day. If her birthday falls soon after the holiday festivities, save a special tradition - taking a horse-drawn buggy ride through the park or roasting chestnuts over the fire - for her special day.
Party her way: If the party girl doesn't resent the competition, include the season's festivities in her celebration. Choose red and green streamers, make gingerbread boys and girls for a party activity, and sing carols (as well as "Happy Birthday").
If she'd rather divorce her birthday bash from other festivities, try not to give her party short shrift. If possible, set aside a birthday party room that has no trace of holiday decorations.
Break the mold: If she's satisfied with her holiday booty, she might enjoy a special outing - a sleigh ride or a ski trip - instead of a party.
Another option Marzollo suggests is to choose a non-holiday date (any time of the year) to celebrate. Or celebrate her half-birthday instead. At the summer celebration, serve half a cake, half a glass of punch, and give presents that are half wrapped.
However parents mark it, let the birthday child know that her day is as special as anything else on the calendar.