Make Sure People Born Near Holidays Don’t Feel Overshadowed on their Birthdays

Twenty-five days until Christmas and if you're anything like me, that means you are scrambling to finish your shopping in between work and life. Now add December birthdays -- though it's not like I didn't know they were coming.

We celebrate them every year, but the fact is that birthdays near holidays -- especially Christmas -- tend to get overshadowed or brushed aside with an impulse gift buy that makes the recipient wish they'd been born on a different day.

Here's how bad I've got it in my little bubble. My brother's birthday is Dec 1, Dad's is Dec 6, Michele's is Dec 16th AND last but not least, Mom's is on Dec 22.

Here are a few things you can do to make the birthday boy or girl feel special about their big day:

• DO NOT wrap the present in Christmas-themed wrapping paper
• DO NOT combine Christmas and birthday presents or "upgrade" the Christmas gift because it's a birthday.
• Don't act like their birthday is an inconvenience. It's not like they chose to be born near Christmas. Do something thoughtful and special for them to show you care.