As luck would have it, I just so happen to have two good friends that have birthdays within within a few days of Christmas.  They both agree. It's just unfair. On every level. So, I starting asking them for reasons why. Here's a short list of THIRTY items. 
 
  • Black Friday and Cyber Monday spending means no budget for your birthday present. Everyone is still recovering from all the Thanksgiving family drama.
  • End of year reviews are stressful enough without having to worry about the birthday party you have to go to afterward.
  • Holiday parties, holiday parties, and more holiday parties. When am I supposed to schedule my karaoke birthday bash?
  • Your best friend was too busy making figgy pudding to remember that you wanted a yellow birthday cake with buttercream frosting and purple roses. Is it really that much to ask?
  • No, you don't want a combo Christmas/b-day party. That's lame.
  • Your birthday present is dependent upon everyone else's Christmas bonus ... and we're in a recession.
  • Serving leftover latkes, turkey, or gingerbread at your birthday dinner is an insult.
  • Two words: combo gift. Do not want it. I want two separate presents like the rest of the human race.
  • The known world is out of town.
  • Winter break means no birthday cupcakes in class.
  • Your office is closed that week, so it means your boss can't take you out for a free lunch on the company.
  • You can't take the day off on your birthday because you probably already have the day off.
  • It's cold and it's raining a lot, and the roads are too dangerous for guests to make it to your party. AND if they do arrive, they track mud into into your house.
  • Your birthday dress must be worn with a down jacket and rain boots. Not sexy.
  • Your crush is on vacation all month. So forget that.
  • Happy birthday at the airport! You're going to get a TSA full-body scan.
  • Your birthday gift does not belong under the tree or in a stocking.
  • Happy birthday! You're stranded at the airport due to poor weather conditions.
  • Christmas carolers at your door are not the same as having friends sing you "Happy Birthday."
  • Presents are more important than you.
  • No one wants to hear about your birthday plans when they are worrying about your alcoholic cousin coming to Christmas dinner.
  • Birthday dinner? Forget it. Everyone already gained their allotted 10 pounds.
  • Last-minute shopping really means no budget for your birthday gift.
  • The gift table at your birthday party is full of re-gifts.
  • Family time takes precedence over party time.
  • 'Tis the season, just not the right one for birthday cheer.
  • You still can't schedule your birthday because everyone has New Year's plans.
  • The end of the year is more important than your birthday.
  • People everywhere are toasting, drinking champagne, partying -- only it has nothing to do with you.
  • As everyone is watching the ball drop, your heart drops. The month is over. The year is over. And your birthday was over-looked again.
So, if you have a friend with a Christmas Holiday birthday, please make an extra effort to show them some BRITHDAY love...something that's different than a hearty Ho-Ho-Ho!