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A woman I worked with years ago was born on Dec. 24. I would ask her how her birthday was celebrated being that it was on the day before Christmas.
Her answer was simple. It was celebrated just like any other birthday -- with cake and ice cream, gifts and birthday good wishes. Her parents were loving people who would never think to shortchange their daughter just because of the timing of her birth.
Personally I think it would be interesting to have a birthday that lands on a special holiday. I have two brothers who were born on holidays -- Jan. 1 and Feb. 14. Another brother's birthday often falls on Thanksgiving as well.
As my siblings' families have grown so has the number of birthdays. There are a host of nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, great nieces and nephews on my side of the family as well as my husband's side. Some of those birthdays also fall on holidays or special occasions.
Our own grandson, Deacon, came into the world on April 1. There is nothing foolish about this energetic child, and his birthday will always be special to us.
While there are many reasons to celebrate special occasions, i.e., Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day or even Groundhog Day, birthdays have always surpassed any reason for cake and ice cream celebrations for our families.
Babies and birthdays have always been sacred territory. When I was a kid, it wasn't so much about the gifts or some fancy party venue. It was about being made to feel special simply because you were born.
Maybe it was the lopsided cake my mother baked or the supersize tub of ice cream in your favorite flavor. It was all for you. And there was always someone willing to help you blow out the candles.
If our parents instilled one thing in us, it was that each life is a gift and justifiably celebrated. Some of our biggest celebrations next to birthdays have been christening parties held soon after welcoming a new child into the fold.
The bottom line is: Never hesitate to wish someone a happy birthday. It may be the best and only gift someone receives on their special day.
Heather Ziegler can be reached at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.