Days 10, 11 and 12 of Advent: Deck the Halls With Boughs of Holly and Pieces of Birthday Cake

Sorry for no posts the past few days. I’ve been wrapped up (a little pun there) in holiday and birthday preparations. If you’re any kind of regular reader of this blog, then you’ll know that my birthday is coming up. So far, no massive windstorms–thank goodness–so cake making is still on track.

Today I went to IKEA with a friend (my annual trip) to get stuff for my birthday party on Saturday. I really didn’t absolutely need anything, but why not? It’s fun to go once a year and look at the sheer amount of stuff. And to buy some of it.

I love having a party for my birthday, but it comes at such a busy time of year that I cannot help, at times, but feel overly stressed about the preparations. As a kid I absolutely loved having my birthday around Christmas. It was a magical time of year for me anyway, and it was so special to have my birthday then. I could always count on Christmas-y decorations for my birthday. Christmas carols were always playing (I’m one of those people who actually like them). My mom was very careful to make sure that I got separate presents for my birthday and for Christmas (the only time things were doubled up was when I got something big). I loved the smells of the season–especially having a fire in the fireplace and smelling the wood fire smoke in the air. And I love the smell of the Christmas tree.

As an adult, it’s gotten more complicated to have my birthday around the holidays. It’s still special to me, but it can be a hassle to my friends and family. I hate that it’s hard for my loved ones, but it’s still my birthday. And I love having a party. I’ve considered moving the celebration to another part of the year, but that wouldn’t be the same. It just doesn’t feel right to do. So, I persevere in having a birthday and a party at this supremely festive time of year.

Having a birthday at this time of year is odd in that you have to make sure to carve out some real time for yourself. I have certain things that I try not to do on my birthday. I try not to go shopping for Christmas presents. I try not to buy, write or send holiday cards on my birthday. I try not to be stressed out about all the holiday obligations I have. I say “try” because it sometimes works out that the only time to do something is on my birthday. So, I shop or stand in a post office line or write holiday cards, and chalk it up to the paradox of a birthday at Christmas.

So, I’ve spent this week wrapping presents, cleaning the house, organizing our schedule, shopping for party things and generally doing all the things necessary to prepare for my birthday and for Christmas. Tomorrow I’m taking the day off and having some girlfriends over for an early afternoon cocktail tasting. I want to have a special cocktail at the party and I need help creating it. It will involved champagne and elderberry syrup. Two of my favorite things. Yum.