Written by Marie Alvarado Gil
State Senate, CA-4
It’s that time of year when Christmas tree lighting ceremonies and merry carols down Main Street bring together thousands of shoppers and families to share in the holiday cheer. Sensual red ribbons and stunning pine garlands decorate even the most modest doorways to my favorite shops, boutiques, and bookstores. Just by breathing in the crisp, warm apple-cinnamon air, we can see that the Christmas spirit is all around us.
This year, as I celebrate my 50th birthday on December 24th, I am faced with an annual dilemma. Should I celebrate my birthday on Christmas Eve and risk no one coming to the party? Welcome to my childhood. At this age, I’ve had a few disappointing birthdays. So I’d like to offer a little political advice about honoring your loved ones during this time.
My first advice is to choose purple over red, or blue if you’re more comfortable, when it comes to gift wrapping and decoration. Avoid Christmas colors and instead go for big, bold decorations that scream “Happy Birthday!” I can’t tell you how many times I went to open a present with the glee and excitement of a 5-year-old only to discover a stuffed animal wearing a Santa Claus costume. .
Regalia and traditional birthday themed spaces are important to us Christmas babies. Set aside one or two rooms in your home that are completely free of Christmas decorations and make them a designated space to celebrate birthdays. Maybe you can even decorate it throughout the seasons with a theme that warms your heart. One of my all-time favorites is a beach-themed birthday party where I turn my room into a “Gidget Goes Surfing” party with the Beach Boys’ “California Girls” playing on my tape deck. It was something.
Trust me when I say that not even Hallmark has mastered the art of Christmas/birthday greeting cards and gift wrapping. But year after year, I find humor in the awkward yet generous attempts to share “my special day” in a way that satisfies the “happy birthday bug.” By the way, we recommend that you check with your loved one every year to find out what the bug is.
For gifts, please vote “yes” or “no”. Please do not abstain. Whatever you do, no matter how trivial the birthday present you choose, don’t think of it as a Christmas/birthday present. I joke with my kids that they would rather receive the left boot for their birthday and the right boot for Christmas than receive a combo gift of Lane boots in a brightly wrapped box.
Start celebrating traditions and special celebrations with your family and loved ones from an early age. It’s the mindset that really matters, and small details like that make a big difference.
This last piece of advice goes to the very heart of what it means to me to be a Christmas Eve baby. I remember when I was 7 or 8 years old, visiting for my birthday with a family that wasn’t my own. The house was completely decorated in the holiday spirit, with dozens of beautifully decorated packages neatly placed under the tree. I was sure there was at least one present for me under the tree.
The adults in the house began the traditional game of calling out the names of the children in the room and delivering presents to each child from under the tree. I don’t know why I was expecting a present, but maybe I was hoping that Santa Claus would remember that it was my birthday and leave me something special under the tree. yeah.
The look of sadness on his face grew and must have sucked all the joy out of the room. Or maybe it was my misguided attempt to hold back tears of disappointment. Well, the last present was for me. Instead of a brightly colored package wrapped neatly in a ribbon, it was a crumpled brown paper bag. Inside was a worn pink T-shirt with glittery letters that said “Jesus Loves You.”
Now, even at that young age, the shock of knowing Jesus, His love, and warmth in that very humble gift was meaningful enough to stay with me for years afterward.
I wish I could say that every birthday since then has been amazing, but unfortunately that hasn’t been the case. Even as an adult, my family, friends, and loved ones go to extraordinary lengths to show their gratitude and appreciation. It’s not expected, but I really love them.
I learned that the political meaning of being a baby on Christmas Eve requires me to dig deep within myself and celebrate what it truly means to be alive, healthy, and blessed with love and family. So throw a ribbon on it or wrap it in a dollar store gift bag. I will gladly open it and thank you for your gift every day.
