Need Ideas for Son's First Birthday

Updated on September 18, 2007
B.K. asks from Salt Lake City, UT
4 answers

I still have a few months until my son's first birthday, but there are two obstacles I'm going to be faced with at the time, so I'd like to start coming up with ideas now.

The first problem is that my son's birthday is December 27. I feel that he deserves a birthday party, but with the time of year, I feel like everyone is going to be tired and poor and the last thing they'll want to do is attend a birthday party two days after Christmas. Some people have recommended that I celebrate his birthday at a different time - like July - but I don't want to do that. I'd prefer to celebrate his birthday on or near his birth date. Do any of you have children with birthdays close to Christmas? How do you celebrate?

The other problem is that my husband's and my parents are both divorced, so anytime we have a family event where everyone should be invited, it's always uncomfortable and awkward with all of the exes together in the same house. Any advice on how to handle this? I want my son's birthday to be a happy occasion without drama or hard feelings. I don't want my baby caught in the middle of all of that like I was as a child.

Your input is greatly appreciated. I'd love to hear your ideas and experiences.

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M.W.

answers from Salt Lake City on

My friend, who's bday was dec 24, her mother used to put up a "birthday tree", which was a christmas tree decorated in birthday stuff. Any presents that were under her tree could not be wrapped in christmas paper. Also, anyone who tried to combine her bday and xmas presents would get the same treatment.

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D.B.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Hy B.,

that's great you're planning his first birthday now and taking such concideration in other people's schedules.

you might want to host a "toys for tots" party in honor of your son's first birthday. people who are giving during this time of year are a little more inclined to do for those less fortunate. have one box guests put the donations into and more likely than not, there will be a few guests (like grandparents) who bring the birthday boy something special, too! we did this for my son and it was SO much fun!

as far as guests all getting along, i hope they're all adults. your concerns might be well recieved if said right. suggestion: "hey, i know it's akward for you to be in the same room with so & so and his/her date, but it means a lot to your grandson that you're both here today!"

sometimes honesty does work wonders if it's executed in a tactful manner.

good luck and happy b-day to the little guy in a few months!
D.

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A.L.

answers from Austin on

While none of my three are December babies, my own birthday is December 27th, so I think I might have some experience in this area. ;o)

I applaud you for making the effort to recognize his birthday, even at such a busy time of year. As difficult as it is when you've got so many other things going on, it is definately important to make sure that he feels special on his birthday. Having said that, my advice for you is to recognize his actual birthday with a special breakfast or dinner, and plan his party for a little before or after the holidays. The reality is that in the first few years it really doesn't matter to him when you celebrate because all he cares about is the attention, cake and tearing wrapping paper. LOL! As he gets older and wants to invite friends and schoolmates to his parties, it will become almost impossible to hold them on, or even near his actual birthday so starting this *tradition* early will help him to always feel special without feeling to different. (And honestly, what kid wouldn't love having their birthday celebration spread out over several days? It makes the fun last longer. ;o)

Hope that helps, and good luck!

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R.J.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I dont have any December babies but for my kids we usually do something small and special on thier actual birthday, they get to pick what they have for dinner and open a few presents from just mom and dad then the friend and family parties are on the weekend before or after. As for the divorced parents I can relate. I call all the granparents and tell them about the party I tell them up front that the other parent will be there and I realize that they are not getting along but I think that for one day they need to put the childish behavior aside and celebrate thier grandchildren. If they cant do that they wont be invited again. It seems harsh but birthday parties are hecktic enough without dealing with adult children. If they do act childish and make everyone uncomfortable then ask them politely to leave.

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