Sam Weaver/Coaches Corner
Santa, Jesus, & My Birthday Confusion At Age Four …
Having a birthday three days before Christmas (12/22) is like living in a holiday hurricane. I discovered this the hard way when I was four years old. That year was the first time I realized my birthday and Christmas were special occasions. Both celebrations can feel larger-than-life, and for a four-year-old, they became one big blur. It took me a while to figure it out, and in the meantime, I got some weird looks from kids on Christmas Day when I asked, “What did you get on my birthday?”
Confused…
At four, I had no concept of time, and the days all seemed to run together. Birthday cake, presents, ice cream, and a Christmas tree filled with more gifts, it was sensory overload. I thought maybe everyone’s birthday happened around Christmas. My younger sister was too little to help me figure it out, and friends weren’t close enough to ask. I just kept my questions to myself and tried to make sense of it all.
Jesus, Santa, & The Wise Men…
The mixture of traditions made things even harder to figure out. I heard adults talking about Santa Claus delivering presents, the birth of Jesus, and the Three Wise Men. My four-year-old mind was trying to connect the dots. Was Jesus riding on Santa’s sleigh? Were the Wise Men traveling with them? It was a lot to process.
Tell Me Again How This Works…
Families love making a big deal about their kids’ birthdays, but I think real awareness starts around age four, or at least it did for me. After that first Christmas I could remember, I slowly began to understand that not everyone’s birthday was tied to the holiday. When I started kindergarten and we celebrated birthdays during the year, things finally started to make sense, sort of, but it took a while.
Going With The Flow…
In nursery school before kindergarten, December’s focus was on Christmas, Santa, and the birth of Christ. Barely a mention of my birthday. At home, though, my birthday felt like part of a long holiday celebration. I didn’t think to ask questions at school or at home, I just went along with the program.
I Learned…
Like many people born around Christmas time, I eventually learned to separate the holiday season from my own birthday. I was lucky that my family never combined the two. Instead, it felt like an extended celebration. That’s my Christmas story.
Enjoy The Season…
What are your favorite holiday memories? Whether it’s a birthday in December or a special family tradition, these moments are what make the season meaningful. Enjoy the stories you’re creating this time of year. Happy Holidays!
And if you need some friendly advice, drop me an email; samweaver@samweavermedia.com or text me, (972) 672-4812.