Extended Birthday

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My family celebrated birthdays, although without much fanfare. Mom would cook something for dinner that she knew we liked. A gift or so was always included, although none were lavish. All this to say, I never felt cheated. Many years later I appreciated the fact that husband John’s family always noticed my birthday. Friends and family sent cards and/or called. Having a birthday on the 22nd of December meant the celebration was never extended or postponed. No one, including me, had time. That changed this year!!

NOT my sentiment!

Many people called, sent an e-mail, texted, sent a card, or telephoned. This was spread throughout the real birthday without overlapping. Niece Kathie spent a whole day driving here, heating dinner she had prepared, chatting with me, also talking with Lise in Copenhagen and me as I held the phone, and driving back to Charlotte. Elaine and her sister stopped by after church, bringing me gifts from the church. We had a delightful visit with them. When Kathie and I talked about gas logs because she had just had hers replaced, I turned on mine. We sat looking at the fire while talking until the light began to fade. She set out on the three-hour drive, getting home well after dark. What a birthday! It was the longest one-day celebration I’ve ever had.

Kathie and the dinner she prepared

I knew fairly early that the party across the street would be postponed a day because of illness. I would NEVER wish anyone ill, but I realized almost immediately that my birthday horizon had been pushed forward 24 hours. For the first time in my life, I had a two-day celebration!!! This simply does not happen near Christmas or the changing of the year. If you have a birthday at any other time, I doubt you could appreciate this monumental happening. I am thrilled, while being sorry that sickness was the cause.

Gas logs are only burning, not exploding.

The day after my birthday this year, I had two long chats with relatives. Oh, the wonder! The pleasure! How blessed I’ve been! This has to be one of the best birthdays of my life. Many thanks to all who made this possible.

I just noticed I had all my original birthday numbers this year. Then 12/22/42. Now 12/22/24.

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Published by Anne Mehrling

I'm a retiree who loves to write about life in the mountains of North Carolina.

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34 thoughts on “Extended Birthday”

  10. How nice to celebrate over multiple days Anne – only special people get to do that! My mom’s birthday was on Valentine’s Day, so I know birthdays on/near a holiday didn’t always work out so well. I, myself, have had a few birthdays fall on Easter Sunday. Let the celebration continue and let them eat cake!

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    1. My mother was born on the 4th of July. Kate’s birthday is Veteran’s Day, and young John was born on Columbus Day. That is something that your birthday sometimes falls on Easter Sunday. My best friend growing up had her birthday on Thanksgiving Day from time to time.

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      1. That’s a lot of “holiday” birthdays for one family! Your friend’s special day had to take a back seat to Thanksgiving unfortunately, but back then we did not have “Black Friday” and all the hoopla surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday, so hopefully she would enjoy her celebration the next day.

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  11. My grandson’s father Jonathon’s birthday is the 23rd December and for many years always got combined Birthday & Christmas presents which he didn’t like, he said I was one of the few people who gave him separate presents for each.

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  13. Happy Happy Birthday, Anne!🎂🥳What special memories your family and friends gave you🤍.
    My Son-in Law’s birthday is today (Christmas Eve) and he says it wasn’t often celebrated while growing up. So we do our best to make a big fuss and really celebrate him!

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  15. My daughter was born on December 26. We could never get anyone to come to her party but we always celebrated. At Christmas, she was always sure to tell all her relatives the next day was her birthday and got cash gifts. She probably ended up with more that way.

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