Last Christmas

Anyone who knows me, knows that Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year.  I love it because of the spirit that comes out of people during this time of year.  A spirit that appears missing the rest of the year.  People are nicer and happier (as a rule).  They will bend and compromise on things that they might not have before.  People suddenly find a generous streak and a servant's heart.  And of course there's the fact that it's my birthday, and that I get to share the day with My Savior, Jesus.

That's right, I'm a Christmas baby.  And yes, before you ask, it was hard growing up as a Christmas baby.  Yes, people inevitably combined my birthday and Christmas presents together, because it was cheaper.  You could always see that moment when they realized that they had forgotten to get something specifically for my birthday, and they would casually slide one of my Christmas presents to the side with their foot.  It didn't matter that it was wrapped in Christmas paper or even that I saw them do it.  They would vehemently claim that it was always designated for my birthday.

Besides getting the shaft on gifts, I also got the shaft on birthday parties.  I mean when you think about it, everyone you know is out of town visiting family, so nobody is around to celebrate with you.  For several years, I'd have to have parties at the end of January when everyone was back.  But the worst problem occurred when I was 16, and I had to wait three extra days to get my driver's license because everything was closed.

So, whereas everyone else has two special days a year when they can count on presents and celebration, I wait all year long for this single day to have all of my joy at once.  I wait for the phone calls and text messages.  I revel in the attention.  My brother even tones down the insults and roasting a tiny amount.  For this one day of the year, I have a sliver of importance.  I am mildly special.

This year was no exception...that is until my brother-in-law called me to wish me Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday.  And that's when he put it all into perspective.  He said, "You better enjoy it, because this is the last year that it's about you.  Starting next year, it'll be all about the baby."  It hit me like a ton of bricks.  He was right.  My day in the sun was over.  This was my last Christmas.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I didn't really care.  I would gladly give up all of the Christmas and birthday presents for the rest of my life for my little baby boy.  I would gladly step aside and let him receive and be the center of attention.  I already love him that much.  To be honest, I didn't even wait.  I was buying him gifts this year already, and he's not even here yet!  I can't wait to share my special day with my son, the way Jesus shares it with me.

Christmas is for the boys!