One thing that I have heard since I started dating my now-husband is that birthdays around the holidays are no fun. He always made a big deal about one thing especially; if he received a gift, it shouldn’t be in holiday paper and he should at least get a birthday card. He said that a birthday needs to be a birthday and, sadly that was often not the case growing up. A birthday around the holidays can often times be overlooked and happy birthday wishes should never be overlooked! Now, as the mother of a child born a week before Christmas, I totally understand what he was saying. I made a vow to myself that I would never treat Joley’s birthday as anything other than special because it was the day she came into my life. Her birthday is a special day all on its own. It doesn’t matter to me that it is a week before Christmas; that one day is all about her and how blessed I am that she is in my life.
I will admit that it is difficult on the budget to have a birthday so close to Christmas, but there are certain things we do to make that one day all about my little girl. One of those is to always purchase a birthday card for her big day. Recently I headed to Walmart to pick out the perfect card for Joley from the huge selection of Hallmark products. When I say huge, I mean it. There is so much you can choose from in the store for your birthday recipient! Not only are there cards for certain ages, but there are cards for girls, boys, make your own cards, cards with bracelets or buttons or pins, and cards for adults. There are funny cards, serious cards, blank cards, and cards for anyone you could want to give a card to. There are bags and stuffed animals from Hallmark that you can use to make the birthday girl or boy even more excited to get their gift. My kids immediately went to the books that you can record your voice on. I had to kick them out of the aisle though because I wanted to find a card for Joley!
After much looking, I finally decided on a card that has a little something extra in it.
This card is like a card and gift in one! Not only is Joley getting a very special birthday card with one of her favorite characters in it, but she is also getting an activity to do. She can take the “Doc bag” and use stickers to decorate it or for decorating anything else she wants.
I didn’t stop there though. My husband’s birthday is Christmas Eve. I found a card for him. I usually go for funny for my husband and this is going to be no different.
Finally, my mom’s birthday is in January. Having a birthday after Christmas is just as bad as one before. I want my mom to know how much she means to me everyday, but I for sure want her to know that I think her birthday is special.
No matter who you are buying for and no matter what time of the year it is, you are guaranteed to find an amazing selection at your local Walmart. I spent a good amount of time looking at each card and, often time, putting them back. There is always that one card that I feel is “just right” so I wait to find it.
If you have a loved one with a birthday around the holidays, do your best to make that day special for them. Remember, a card just for that day is important. Head to Walmart (look for the Connections signs everywhere if you get lost) and get them one that is perfect for them! If you buy them a gift, make sure it is in birthday paper (no red/green or holiday themed), and be sure never to combine a gift with their Christmas gift unless they have been made aware and agree. Still though, if you do that, get them a card for their special day! If you can, make a birthday cake, take them to a birthday dinner, or do anything special on that day to make their birthday separate from the holidays! They will appreciate it more than you know.
For more great ideas, including those specifically for the holidays, check out the digital magazine below, where Hallmark is featured. Setting up a digital card file sounds like a plan for me most definitely. My memory is not the best and some ideas here are perfect in making sure I never miss anyone’s special day, whenever it may be!
Can you think of more ways to make a birthday special that falls around the holidays?
I do love the choice at hallmark and searching through the shelves certainly pays off! I think its good to have a few places you have saved to favourites for birthday occasions so you know you can get something in quick time!
I bet your daughter and your husband loved the birthday cards you picked out for them! Thanks for the tips.
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They haven’t received them yet! ha! This is the most prepared I have EVER been for birthdays. 🙂