HOLiDAY BABiES: MAKiNG THEiR BiRTHDAY FEEL SPECiAL

Having a baby is always a cause for celebration, but when your little one’s birthday aligns with a major holiday like Christmas, New Year’s, or Thanksgiving, it can feel extra special—and sometimes, a little complicated. Whether you’re wondering about the frequency of holiday births or pondering how to make your child’s birthday feel unique amidst festive chaos, this post is here to unpack it all. Plus, I’ll share a personal story and how Our BirthRoom Academy can support you on your journey to parenthood.

HOW RARE ARE HOLiDAY BiRTHDAYS? LET’S LOOK AT THE NUMBERS

You might think that holiday babies are super common, given that nature doesn’t have a calendar. Interestingly, statistics show that birth rates can actually dip on major holidays like Christmas Day or New Year’s Day in the United States. According to the CDC, fewer babies are born on these holidays compared to regular days of the year. This is largely attributed to the scheduling of elective inductions and cesarean sections, as hospitals may limit non-emergency procedures on these days.

However, natural labor doesn’t always wait. Many parents find themselves welcoming their little ones at the stroke of midnight on January 1st or while the turkey’s in the oven on Thanksgiving. So, if your baby does arrive on Christmas morning or just before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, they’re in a special club of holiday-born kids!

THE UNiQUE JOYS AND CHALLENGES OF HOLiDAY BiRTHDAYS

For families, having a child born on a holiday can feel magical—after all, what better gift than a new baby? But as the years go on, parents often face the question: How do we celebrate both occasions in a way that feels special and fair?

Let’s talk about a few different approaches families take to navigating holiday birthdays.

1. Separate Celebrations Some parents make the effort to keep the birthday and the holiday completely distinct. For example, if your child is born on Christmas Day, you might dedicate the morning to holiday traditions and save the afternoon or evening for cake and birthday gifts. This way, your child’s birthday doesn’t get lost in the shuffle of holiday festivities.

I’ve heard from families who even choose a separate room for birthday celebrations—imagine stepping into a space decorated with balloons and streamers, a fun contrast to the twinkle of Christmas lights.

2. Combined Festivities On the flip side, some families lean into the idea of merging the two celebrations. This might mean wrapping birthday gifts in holiday paper or singing “Happy Birthday” right after opening presents under the tree. While this approach can be practical, it’s important to make sure your child feels their birthday is still special.

3. Celebrating on an Alternate Date Another popular option is to celebrate the birthday on a completely different day. Some families opt for a “half-birthday” celebration six months later, while others pick a weekend before or after the holiday. This approach ensures the child gets a day that’s all about them, free from the hustle and bustle of holiday commitments.

WHAT DO KiDS THiNK ABOUT HOLiDAY BiRTHDAYS?

As a parent, you might wonder how your child will feel about sharing their birthday with a major holiday. From what I’ve heard, it depends on the child and how the family approaches it.

Some kids love the idea of being born on a holiday. It makes their birthday feel extra special, like they’re part of a grand celebration. Others might wish for their own separate day, especially as they get older and want the spotlight squarely on them.

A pro tip? Once your child is old enough, ask them how they’d like to celebrate. Including them in the decision-making process is a great way to ensure they feel heard and valued.

MY OWN EXPERiENCE: A THANKSGiViNG BABY

Let me share a little story about my own family. My daughter was born just a few days before Thanksgiving. It’s such a joy to celebrate her birthday because Thanksgiving naturally brings our extended family together. Every year, we incorporate her birthday into our gathering, making it a double celebration filled with love, laughter, and pie.

What makes it extra special is how it highlights the spirit of gratitude that Thanksgiving is all about. She feels so cherished, surrounded by family who’ve come from near and far. And while her birthday cake might sit next to a pumpkin pie, we always make sure she feels like the star of the day.

Of course, we’ve also learned to balance things so she doesn’t feel her special day is completely tied to the holiday. Sometimes we’ll have a separate birthday party with her friends, ensuring she gets her own moment in the spotlight.

HOW OTHER FAMiLiES CELEBRATE

Every family approaches holiday birthdays differently. Some combine festivities, while others keep them separate to honor each occasion. Here are a few creative ideas parents have shared:

• Half-Birthdays: For those born on Christmas, celebrating six months later in June can give the child their own day to shine.

• Dedicated Celebrations: Hosting a separate birthday party before or after the holiday ensures the focus stays on your child.

• Holiday-Themed Birthdays: Leaning into the holiday spirit with themed decorations and activities can make the day feel even more festive.

PREPARiNG FOR A HOLiDAY BiRTH

If your due date is around a major holiday, there are a few things you can do to prepare:

• Plan for Flexibility: Babies have a way of arriving on their own schedules, so even if your due date is December 25, you could welcome your baby a week earlier or later. Be prepared for the unexpected!

• Communicate Your Wishes: If you’re planning a hospital or birth center delivery, discuss your preferences with your care team. Let them know if you’d like to avoid certain dates for inductions or procedures.

• Embrace the Season: Whether it’s decorating the nursery with holiday touches or packing festive snacks for the hospital, finding small ways to celebrate the season can make your experience even more memorable.

EMPOWER YOUR BiRTH JOURNEY

Whether your baby’s birthday coincides with a holiday or not, feeling empowered and confident in your childbirth experience is so important. At BirthRoom Academy, we specialize in helping parents navigate the journey of childbirth with clarity and confidence. Our natural childbirth course is designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to make informed decisions and have a safe, empowering birth experience.

In addition to covering essential topics like labor techniques and pain management, our course also dives into postpartum care, newborn care, and breastfeeding—because your journey doesn’t end once your baby arrives. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Having a baby born near a major holiday adds a layer of magic and complexity to an already incredible moment in life. Whether you’re planning separate celebrations, combining festivities, or creating new traditions, what matters most is making your child feel cherished.

If you’re ready to feel prepared, confident, and excited about welcoming your baby—holiday birthday or not—we’d love for you to join us at Our BirthRoom Academy.

Here’s to celebrating life—in all its forms and on every special day of the year!