Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas

0

combo gifts

Anyone ever share a birthday with a holiday? If you do, then you know exactly what the term combo gifts mean, and if you were like me, then you despise them! 

I was born on December 23, so combo gifts were something I grew accustomed to. It was always, “here is your present… Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas.” I never liked the idea of combo presents as a kid and always thought that I was “getting jipped.” As a teen and early twenty-something, I was particularly a pain and made sure to tell people I didn’t want a combo gift and requested separate presents because “it wasn’t fair.” My parents and grandparents, however, always made sure to give me one present for my birthday and then another on Christmas morning. (They were the best!).

When I first started dating my husband, I made it a point to say that I would prefer a birthday and Christmas present and not a combined gift. I wanted to open something on each day. He graciously obliged for years. When we got married on December 17, things got even trickier. I again, told him, “I want three separate presents for the three separate occasions.” Although he found it difficult, he always made sure I had something to open on our anniversary, my birthday, and Christmas.

When I turned 30, I realized enough is enough. I had been a brat for far too long about the whole birthday/holiday present thing. I should have just been grateful that someone wanted to give me a gift and if they chose to combine it, then what’s the big deal? 

These days I don’t need to open presents on my birthday, anniversary, or Christmas, nor do I even need a gift. I am trying to show my kids that material things don’t matter as much as experiences and interactions with others. I’m not going to lie… receiving a new kitchen gadget, a bottle of wine, clothes, or shoes do bring a smile to my face, yet I chose to value health, travel, good food, and happiness above all. 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here