Seeking Help from Other Moms on "Half Birthdays"

I have heard of half birthdays but would never do one. It just would take the fun out of the actual day. I think she should still get to have a birthday party even though its in December. I would set money aside through out the year so I had enough in December. Let her choose what she would like to do and try to plan around the holiday. There are all kinds of indoor things to do like Jump Zone or Sports of all sorts and that new Coco Beach water park but i hear thats expensive and you have to spend the night. I wouldn't listen to the grandparents. You do what she wants and not worry about them. Its not their birthday.
I have a February B-day and my grandparents would come over and celebrate. All I ever got was cake and ice cream but as we got older we got to choose either a dinner out or have a friend spend the night.

I don't know how to handle the in laws and all that. I do know my birthday is late December and I waited until my 31st to try the other-date thing. By then my sons birthday was 2 days from my 1/2 birthday. I tried 1 month later. It worked the first year, but the second year I just didn't get any birthday. Not on my real birthday or my 1 month later birthday. Late December is an annoying birthday. I would say start now. You may have to say happy birthday to her on the real date, but establish now her birthday of June 22. From my experience, she will be happy for the rest of her life for it.

You could make her birthday the event that starts the Christmas season. Move the party up to the end of November and do a Christmas theme. Use it as the reason to start decorating the house and put up the tree. This way she feels really special that her birthday is the start of the happiest time of the year...Christmas!!!

My sister's birthday is December 23rd (and mine is in June) so I know where you're coming from. But in my opinion (and my sister would agree) your daughter's bday should be celebrated as it's happening. If you celebrate in the summer, it's old news. Half birthdays sound like a great idea when you're nearing the half-way mark. But they don't sound so good on her actual birthday when you try to explain that you'll celebrate in 6 months. (My daughter's birthday was last Thursday, and it was hard enough to explain that her party wasn't until Sunday - ha ha!)

Try having her birthday party earlier in December before it gets too crazy...or even after the New Year...or New Years Eve - how fun!! (The other parents would love you for providing free babysitting for a few hours - ha ha!)

There are plenty of indoor parties you can do, too. My girls were born in May & July, but I have done many indoor parties simply because the weather is so unpredictable. We've done a movie, tea party, gymnastics, 'spa' slumber party, and make-your-own pottery. There is also bowling, indoor swimming, and 'Pump it Up' (if you have one in your area).

Also, if she really wants to have a summertime party, there is nothing wrong with just having a party. It doesn't need to be a 'birthday' party. Have a school's out party or a back-to-school party or a 4th of July party instead.

Hope this helps.

I do not think that you need to celebrate her birthday at the 1/2 point. I think that she would love having her own unique birthday time. My oldest is 25 and her birthday is Dec 30th. She has never been felt to feel that her birthday is not noticed because of Christmas. We always sent in her school birthday snack before Christmas. Her friend party we have done several ways. When she was younger - we would have the party a couple weeks early. That always worked out well. And parents loved dropping thier kids off for an afternoon or as that got older to stay over night. Sometimes she wanted her party on her birthday night. Other than people traveling - everyone could come because you never had to worry about it being a school night.

As she got older - she started having New Years Eve parties to celebrate her birthday.

The other nice thing about a holiday birthday - family normally gets together anyway - so people who sometimes are not around to celebrate birthdays are here.

My 2 year old was born on Dec 27th. She as well will get to have her party during Christmas.

The only time I have ever done a 1/2 birthday was for my 21 year old. Her birthday is in Feb. Dance competitions were always on her birthday weekend. She could not have a party because of that. So one year we did a 1/2 party so that she could have a pool party with her friends.

So I suggest embrassing that December birthday, just like it was any other time of the year and treat her like a complete princess - a royal holiday princess!

hi! at our home we do celebrate half birthdays because my daughter's friend that lives next door is a christmas baby. they have a party on her half birthday. my daughter was curious, 'why does she get two birthdays?' we explained that on her full birthday her friends are with their families, her half birthday is a time to celebrate with friends. in our home everyone celebrates his or her half birthday: it has helped with math concepts, on the half birthday we only invite family and have a special meal and special treat, there are no gifts (sometimes something small). hope this helps!

I was the oldest of 4, our birthdays were Aug., Sept., Oct., and Nov. We normally celebrated them all together in Oct.-Nov. except for rare special numbers: 1, 5, 10, 16, 18 and 21. In our family the last "big" birthday is 18, extended family does not celebrate after that point. We just do a birthday dinner out for our immediate family. My birthday was in Aug. and so I was always the one that was way late. My sister had middle child syndrom and thought this whole birthday thing was horrible, how dare her not get her very own party every year! But the rest of us didn't care, we had a party.
Now as for your daughters birthday, could you do icecream cake instead of regular cake? This way she still gets a bakery cake? Would she get regular cake and ice cream if it were in the summer time?
My sons uncles (dad's brother) birthday is on the 23rd on Dec. His mom still stresses his birthday be celebrated on a seperate occassion. (He'll be 21 this year). They have a party for Greg's birthday, and then they have a Christmas party on a different date. She stresses the whole birthday issue, putting as much of the Christmas stuff away for a day as possible, putting up birthday stuff and gets MAD MAD MAD is someone wraps one of his gifts for his birthday in christmas wrapping paper. This has worked well for him, but he's a boy.
Basically, every family does different things for their birthday. Whatever it is you choose, make it something special and it will be special to your daughter. It may just be that everyone else is getting her birthday NOW and so she wants another. Come her real birthday time she may be sad that she doesn't get a party or she may be glad that she had it at the park. Go with what you think is best for your daughter.

Hi. My son is 6 years old. He was born on Jan. 4th. We celebrate his birthday around his 1/2 birthday. His half birthday is actually my birthday, July 4. We had been celebrating it in June so that the holiday of July 4th did not take away from his birthday, but this year,he asked if we could do it on the 4th(mainly because it is mommy's and he wants to be like mommy!). I tried celebrating on his actual birthday, but it was just too hard. Not only for me, but for the family as well. Everyone had just spent money on the holidays, Thanksgiving,Christmas and New Years. Quite frankly, everyone wanted a break. So, a few years ago, we started his "half birthday" celebration. I have made a really big deal about it because he knows when his actual birthday is. On his "real" birthday, we have a special dinner for just us, the immediate family so that he is not forgotten. Then on his half birthday, we have a lot of fun. Being that it is summer and all, we really emphasize to him that we can do something outside, such as water guns or whatever. He really enjoys it.
As far as the family goes, they were kinda confused at first, I just stood my ground. This is my child and I want him to feel good. People have been pretty receptive to it. Even my 4 year old is beginning to understand that brother has a half birthday. I tell him everyone does, but we just celebrate his in the summer because Santa just came before brothers. I hope this helps.

Hi R.,
My son's birthday is Dec 26th. When he was very young I thought about the half birthday thing...but never actually did it. We always make sure to have his day seperate from christmas and make it as special that we can for him. He has a cousin that is a year younger, born Dec 27th and she too celebrates her birthday in December. All of our friends and family make sure to seperate the 2 and so far (knock on wood) it hasn't been a big deal. We have a busy week at the end of December celebrating the holidays and birthdays, but it's worth it!!!

I understand what you are talking about also. My son's birthday is Dec 15. He turned 5 last year so he has been young enough it didn't matter that we usually celebrate either in November or January. I thought as he gets older if he would rather celebrate in the summer I would be all for it. I figured we could just save one special present for his actual birthday. Something I also thought of just now is you could do the "park party" with cake and games and balloons and save the presents for the actual birthday. Just a thought.

Hi there! =)

I totally understand where you're coming from. Our 6 children's birthdays are: December 4, 6, 16, Jan 12, and I had twins on Feb. 5. Let me tell ya... it stinks! LOL! Not only are they all so close together and during the holidays, but winter birthdays are limited as to what you can do. (espeically when they're little) This being said, my birthday is December 31st, and when I was a little girl, I wanted a birthday party at the park soooo badly! I wanted to celebrate in the summer, so my mother did one year. Then when my birthday came around, that summer party was all but forgotten and I wanted to celebrate my real birthday as well! LOL! It was my birthday after all, and I wanted that day to be speical. That's why I've never done the "half-birthdays" with my kiddos. We just try to make their day as speical as possible. It's not easy, by the time the twins' birthday comes along in February, I am so birthdayed out!

My brothers birthday is December 23rd. So for years we had his party on his birthday than had a party the 24th for Christmas Eve and than we had a party at my Grandparents the 25th. Yes it was crazy but my mother felt that that was his birthday and we would celebrate it on his birthday. Why would you want to celebrate a birthday any other time than the persons actual birthday. That is the day you should celebrate or at least a week before or a week after not six months later. Just my opinion. Whatever you decide I hope your daughter enjoys her actual birthday.

I have a child with a Dec. 20 b-day. We do his family birthday (grandparents, aunts/uncles) at his birthday just like we do the other kiddos in our family. We do a 1/2 birthday party for him for the kids party. We used to do his kids party in January (no one can come in December!) but it was still really close to the holidays and he ends up with too much "stuff" (presents) all at one time. He is eight now and loves having his party in the summer. If he ever wants to change it, though, we will.

R.,
i can so relate on a dec bday!! mine is dec 17th and our son was born on XMAS!! we decided that day that we would do everything in our power to make his day special. we did decide on celebrating both on xmas/actual bday as well as in the summer. we also decided when he gets old enough to fully comprehend it (he's only 2 right now), we would let him make the decision as to what he'd like to do. of course, i only have one child, not 4, so i know you face a lot more challenges & obstacles then we do. i think you're doing the absolute right thing for your daughter. you want her to feel special and equal & you're trying your best to make that happen. i understand where you're coming from about the date for her party. you don't want to feel you chose it at random & you're thinking a 3/4 bday sounds that way. i also see where your hubby is coming from, what's the difference between 1/2 & 3/4? as for the inlaws, etc. well we all know they will always have complaints & comments. so you can decide which you would rather do.... stick to your idea & be happy & try to ignore the mumbles. or do what they want & feel you've not done exatly what you wanted for your daughter.

our son's 1st bday was a disaster for many reasons so the following year (last summer) we threw a big party. i had to smile when i read your post because we actually had it at a park!! we rented a shelter near a playground, which was also near a duck pond. the parks person was in charge of games, setting up & tearing down. the parks also threw in goodie bags, etc. but you wouldn't even have to do that. if you just reserve the shelter you can do your own thing & not have to pay anyone. our son & his friends had a blast & all of my husband's family came from out of state. they all had comments, but you know what -- they had fun & so did everyone else. instead of worry about the actual date vs. his actual bday, i asked around to the moms of his best friends & found out who would be available which day, etc. i actually chose the date based on one of my girlfriend's schedules because her sons are my son's best buddies :)

ultimately i think what matters is the thought. your daughter will be thrilled no matter what the date because she'll know you did your best to make her feel special & loved.

good luck!!

Hi R.
Of course this is just my opinion but I have to agree with your husband and the grandparents. God picks the day your babies are born and that should be the day it is celebrated or at least close to it as possible for parties. There are plenty of activities to do in the winter. Make a sleding party for the kids, they can make snowmen and have hot chocolate but you may wish to have a back up plan if not enough snow or no snow happens. There is always inside places too, like indoor play grounds and blow up toys. Try to explain that her birthday is special too because she was born in the same month as Jesus and also her birthday is different from her siblings because her birthday is in the winter. My daughter's birthday in December and my son's is in January so I understand what you mean. Hope this helps you look at it in a different way! Good luck!

There is only one day in a year that is "ALL ABOUT YOU." This is her birthday, and no matter when her birthday is, it is important that it is celebrated on "HER" day. Even though it is in December, you can make it special for her and all about her. I would hate for her to feel like she was born at an inconvenient time to have a party. Because of the allergies, have it at your home. Make sure you have games and activities to keep the children occupied like the others have at the park. Make it all about her, and keep it at least in the month of her birthday.

I lucked out and my daughter is a June baby, but I was a December baby along with my father. My Mom would give my sister and I special presents on one anothers birthdays. My present on her birthday would usually be something fun for summer since she has an April birthday. Although their was only 2 of us which made it a little easier, with 4 that's a little different. Let's face it no matter if you celerate her half birthday or her traditional it's not going to land at an easy time of year. I think it is a nice idea to celebrate in the summer. I got all may presents for the year within weeks of one another and your daughter will be days. Plus, I know this sounds bad, but then you have the person who gives you the birthday/christmas present, which is the same as everyone elses Christmas present. Or the Christmas card with the hand written Happy Birthday. Even my dad still hates that one at 63 years old. The nice thing about celebrating in the summer is Christmas she can get winter clothing and toys, then at her half birthday she can get summer toys and clothing. You could always have a little family party on her actual birthday and let all the kids get a little something special. Maybe one year you could do a Christmas in June theme and use Christmas decorations to pay tribute to her true birthday. I hope this helps.

Both of my daughters (ages 6 and 4) were born on December 29th. Because that time of year is so hectic for everyone we celebrate their half birthdays. It makes things much more relaxed and the focus is more on them than it would be if we tried to celebrate on their birthday. We have their party with friends and family in the summer then on their actual birthday I cook a special meal for them and they usually get a small give from my husband and I. Our sons birthdays are April 14th and November 27th so we don't have the problem of other summer birthdays in addition to theirs though.

What about celebrating her birthday a week or two early with a sledding party each year? My birthday is January 3rd and my parents always made a point of making it very separate from Christmas. Since it was after x-mas, they always took down the decorations by New Years and put up birthday decor so my day was special. Maybe you could have her party before you put up the Christmas tree and other decorations? Nothing says you have to celebrate a birthday the day of, but I do think it should be close to the real day.

My daughters have birthdays in July and August. We have one birthday party for both. Why don't you combine all your kids parties into one and just have a "birthday celebration" for the whole group. Family will only have to come for one party, you can still have the cake and park deal. Then at her real birthday, just have a small immediate family celebration. She won't miss the big party, because of Christmas right there also. With scheduling family functions for us and our relatives what it is, it's so much easier just to have one event than 2 and no one feels slighted because "auntie came to your party, but couldn't come to mine!" We bought a big piece of black plastic and set up a slip n slide in the yard. The adults sit and visit and the kids slide. We buy balloons for water balloons and have squirt guns for water play. Everyone looks forward to the water party in the summer for the girls' birthday. We have a third daughter now, she was born in January. I kind of like having the family get together in early Feb. becuase its in the middle of the blah months, but eventually she'll get added to the summer birthday bash as well.

I have a daughter who has an August birthday. She was born on my Dad's birthday and we lived over 5 hrs away from my parents, and on top of it all...my husband's job required us to attend an annual out-of-town conference that was always during the week of her birthday.

We usually coordinated her summer grandparent visit over that time frame. Once she began school there were many friends who were hard to include in her party if we had it in the summer. SO as an alternative we chose to celebrate her half birthday in Feb. and have her party with friends... But we still celebrate her actual birthday with the family.

Maybe that is an alternative for you... celebrate each child's birthday and half birthday, but only one includes the big party... and you can choose which works best for each child. And though you are trying to not treat them differently.. they are each individuals and they do not fit in the same box.. so it is okay to vary... but not show favoritism.

My daughter is now 20, and things have changed in our lives... Grandpa has passed away, and our conference times have changed to another month. So we celebrate on her actual birthday, but also remember the half birthday with a card or small gift, and half a cake.
And now we have a son who is 7 with an October birthday..and half birthday's have not been very important.

Hope the perspective helps. I encourage you to listen to your husband and share your heart, plead your case. But in the end be of one mind. It is not worth causing strife in your relationship.

R.,

One of my good friends, who is in her 40's, has a Dec 23 birthday, and always celebrates in September. It's just not fair to those with Christmastime birthdays to always miss out on a special party and attention, particularly when they are little. I think celebrating your daughter's birthday in September is a brilliant solution.

Best wishes,
K.

I would celebrate with friends on her half birthday and with a small group of family on her actual birthday.

Please don't take this the wrong way, as I'm sure it will sound like I'm coming off as being hard on you, and thats not how its meant, but it honestly sounds like you want to do this to make it easier for you, not her. 4 parties back to back, you're off the hook for the year, and one less fuss around Christmas time.

My sons birthday is February 8th, which is 6 weeks after Christmas. Thats kind of hard because I feel like I'm already tapped out from Christmas and plus he just got a ton of toys, on Feb 8th hes about to get a whole extra round of toys. Plus its in the dead middle of winter and there is usually snow, this last birthday everyone in my family was sick, so yes it can be a challenge.

However, February 8th is the day he was born. A "birthday" is a day to celebrate the birth of a person. Typically the day they were born. Your daughter was born in December, not July, not August, etc...it almost seems like your saying "your birthday kind of sucks because its in the winter so I'm gonna change it to a more convenient time of the year" and you're doing it for you, not her. Doesn't make any sense to me

In December you could go to the skating rink, laser tag, bowling alley, Greatimes, you could go to the Children's Museum, you could try Bouncertown, Chuck-E-Cheeses, Indy Aquatic Center, have a pizza Party at Pizza Hut, I remember going to those when I was little. When we were kids (and she is too little for this now but later on) we got to have all of our girlfriends come over for cake and ice cream and sleep overs.

You have all kinds of options, maybe you need to look at the situation differently.

Hello, My daughter has a December birthday along with my neice and nephew. My sisters and I have always had to be creative because it does seem a little easier to plan spring,summer or fall parties. Some ideas have been a carnival theme in our local school's gym with cotton candy, Popcorn machine, carnival game stations, face painting, and a clown,a bowling party at a local bowling alley, a winter wonderland theme party at a local park's shelter house with snowflake decorations,a hot chocolate bar and a gingerbread house decorating contest, a chuck-e-cheese birthday party, a swim party at the YMCA,and a pirate scavenger hunt in our church basement. It has become kind of exciting to think of a new idea every year. I think it seems nice to celebrate around the time they were born. Get creative! There are lots of great party ideas online. Best of Luck!!!

My brother was born on the 23rd of December. When we were younger, my parents always celebrated it a month early usually around Thanksgiving when relatives were around. He knew it wasn't his actual birthday, just the party. Of course, now he celebrates on the original day. I think you should keep it as close to the actual date as possible. There are fun things you could do inside. There are arcades, skating rinks, sledding, etc. Maybe go to the Children's Museum.

Honestly I would just wait and celebrate when it's here birthday. Our son is December 20th so I'm in the same boat with it being a busy time but it's really unfair to try and make a 4 year old understand 'remember we celebrated your birthday over the summer so no party now when it's your actual birthday' and if you give her something at both times you'll have to give the other kids something because it's their half birthday and I really don't think you need that stress during the holidays! As hard as it may seem to fit it in, celebrate in December and find something special she likes to do to replace the park, is there an indoor playground she really likes or maybe a favorite store you could take her to for a special day? She's 4 so you could do the Girls Day Out at Cookie Cutters hair salon. They have a whole little package for daughters and moms with hair and nail polish and all kinds of fun stuff. If you don't make her birthday seem like she's all along then she won't either. good luck!

I am with Cortney, I couldn't celebrate my child's birthday any day but th one on which he came. BUT - since all of the other's bdays are so close together, to make it fair on everyone - why not pick one "Family Birthday" if it is that important to you to party during the summer. Pick one day, though a party for all the kids. Including gifts for each.

My husbands birthday is the 23rd of December and our oldest sons is the 27th of December,so I feel your pain. We've never done the half birthday thing, though my son has always wanted a pinata outside and others things his brother would have during his August birthday. Instead, we've done things like the bowling alley and skating rink. We go to an awesome church that has an indooor playground in it, with cool slides and things to climb on, that you can rent and it is great any time of the year. I realize I'm not much help figuring out the half birthday thing, we've just always made the December one the best we can.

My birthday is Dec 30, my son's is Jan 7. I thought about having a 1/2 birthday for my son, but never have. As I tell my son, at first I felt cheated, but soon I realized I got more presents than anyone else, and as I got older, I could have combined birthday/Christmas presents and get more expensive ones that way. Anyway - as my parents told me, I tell my son, that's just where your birthday happened. My suggestion - why don't you have a "party" - not a birthday party - no gifts - just a day for your daughter during the summer, where you can all go or do something special of her choosing - as "her day". Invite friends over for a "Hawaiian Lua" with hula hoops & decorations, or a swimming party, a day of putt-putt, a tea party, a dress-up party, etc. And all your other children can enjoy it as well. I hope this gives you some kind of idea. - This past year I had a snow ball fight party; and this summer we are going to have a squirt gun party.

I am not in favor of "half birthdays". I am not sure who came up with this idea but I have never approved of it, it takes away from the actual meaning of your birthday and I think it is confusing. I am actually in favor of the oriental way of handling it, truth be known where the child gives gifts to it's parents on it's birthday! Never could get my family into that one, sigh.
In my family we had 2 in September (grandparents), 3 in October (aunt, uncle, and cousin), 3 in November (mom, uncle and cousin), 4 in December (grandmother, brother, aunt and cousin and later my husband and his mom), 3 in January (dad, aunt and uncle) and 5 in February. We celebrated the birthdays when the birthdays were.
We made sure their day was set aside and special for them. I can't tell you how much fun it is to have a birthday on the 5th, 15th and 22nd of November (which is also Thanksgiving some years), 10th, 13th, 16th, 28th, and 29th of December and
the 2nd, 17th, and 21st of January. There were 5 of us in February too.
How hard can it actually be to bake a cake and a few extra cookies for her to take to school when you are baking anyway? Cookies freeze well and so do cakes. I am with your husband on this one. True, they get all of their gifts at one time of the year but we always started shopping early because we had birthdays in all of the months except for March and August!
We had parties on the weekend in January for my brother's friends because it was hard for children outside of the family to get together in December for the actual party when he was young. Skating parties, our theater had special rates for Birthdays and showed children's movies on the weekend, bowling parties, etc. On the actual birthday it was a special dinner and cake and ice cream for family members.
P. R

I don't know what kind of food allergies your daughter has, but if it's dairy, then there is a kosher bakery at the Bigg's on Highland Avenue that makes parve cakes.

As for the birthday party dilema, I am wondering if you can't make hers very special rather than different. Play up the fact that her birthday is NOT when her siblings are and that makes it cool. I am not sure 4 parties in 6 weeks is better than one extra party before Christmas. I rarely make my children's party on their actual birthday. Usually I make it on the closest, convenient weekend. This could be up to two weeks before or after the actual event.

I have a child who has a Dec 23rd birthday. We make sure to have a birthday only party on the day, that way people don't try to combine his birthday and christmas presents together. It's worked out well with most of the people involved. He's even able to have friends over at most of the parties, it typically gives them a chance to do some shopping without the kids. I have never want to change his celebration date, but I have heard of parents who do it earlier in the month to have more friends able to come.

You can't go to the park for a party in Dec. but you can have a bowling or skating party for her. (If you call about bowling, they usually have a special rate for birthdays and will reserve the amount of lanes you need.) My son has always loved bowling parties. We let him ask 3 boys over to spend the night and take them bowling then bring in pizza. The next day, we have his cake and ice cream and the family comes over. What about just celebrating her birthday a week early? Not sure if this helps you or not but thought the idea was worth sharing with you. Best of luck to ya, Shannon G.

I know it's going to make things extra crazy for you but you should celebrate her birthday in December. My mom's birthday is December 26 and her parents didn't really celebrate because it was so close to Christmas. When my birthday turned out to be December 19, my mom made sure that it was a big deal. There are lots of inside things to do - we had swimming parties, bowling parties, etc. Your daughter will remember that you made an extra effort for her.

I'm not sure about the 1/2 birthday but I was born in early Jan and my brothers had thier birthday in July and even tho I'm older i always hated they got the pool summer time party with fire works and mine was in the dead middle of winter.

I know Dec is a crazy time but maybe if you do it really early in the month you could still have her a pool party. What my mom did was rent a hotel room and bring a cake and pizza and i invited some friends and we played in the pool and the game room all day and I loved it, maybe you could try something like that?

Hi

Never heard of half birthdays either. Birthdays should be on bdays. I know a friends had a Christmas baby. Named Holly! She had presents wrapped in bday paper for her also and made it a point to make it even more special. What a great day to have a party! Everyones happy and getting gifts, she seemed to love it!

I have a december birthday, and it is harder to celebrate with the holiday right there, but it isn't impossible. Instead of a birthday in a park, try a skating or bowling party. There are lots of kids who can't celebrate their birthday outside. You may want to try asking for special indoor celebration ideas. You don't want your daughter thinking that having a birthday party for her in december is too much trouble for you. Whatever you decide to do, good luck.

I understand your situation - Altho I have never done half birthdays I have 3 birthdays in Dec. I have twins borne 12-18-04 and a singleton born 12-22-06 My suggestions is altho is is a crazy time we make a huge day just for celebrating their birthdays. They love it they each get a small round personal cake to eat themselves, then a large cake for friends & family. As long as you set a day aside just for birthdays your baby wil be happy. You may not be able to go to the park for ice cream but if it snows you could make snow ice cream. Just take clean fresh snow, a little milk, some sugar & food coloring. It is great - kids love it. Build a smowman play in the snow. Have cake shaped pancake breakfast. There are plenty of things to do with a winter birthday use your imagination. Something different and fun.
Best of luck

Hope this helps.

I don't think I like the idea of a 1/2 birthday. What is the point of a "birthday" if you don't celebrate it in the time period of the year that he or she was born? I can see why she would want to be "like the others". This year celebrate at Bounce House or Bounce Zone. You can do it in the winter. The kids have so much fun and there are several local places in Noblesville. The kids bounce and play for a while and then they go to a private room and open gifts, etc. Go check one out. I wish they had one for adults! ha

I've never heard of a half-birthday party. My sister's birthday is Jan 2nd and she always had a great party growing up. She got to do fun things like parties at a ice skating rink or childrens museum or bowling place. I have a late summer birthday and always had the 'park and ice cream' thing. Which is good because it's cheaper for the parents, but I always felt gipped because she got the 'cool' parties! Anyways... she always had alot of friends at her parties and got good presents. Even though it's close to Christmas, everyone still wanted to celebrate her birthday! It's just a matter of scheduling it and working it in during a busy time. Her parties were usually 1-2 weeks after her birthday, when things calmed down a bit. So you could have your daughter's party 1-2 weeks earlier before things get too crazy.

All 3 of my kids have summer birthdays (2 July, 1 Aug). My soon-to-be-6-year-old is asking to have his party somewhere like Recreation Unlimited or the ice skating rink because he's tired of the 'cake and ice cream in backyard or park' thing. He has told me that he wished his birthday was during winter so we would be forced to have his party somewhere other than the park or backyard. :-)

My four children were all born in the spring, so we don't have the same problem, but we celebrate their half birthdays in a small, but fun way. I planted a tree when each child was born, so we take their picture with their tree on every half birthday (to show the growth of both the tree and the child) and always go to lunch. (Once they were in school, I'd take them a special lunch to school. Now they're in college, so I send them some kind of special treat.) I'd stick to celebrating her birthday in December, but make it special (instead of just different) in other ways. Go to a community center gym instead of a park. Have a birthday pie (or whatever she likes and can have) instead of cake. If you make it special, she'll feel special. I bet you can find lots of ideas for inside birthdays online. Good luck!

Well it didn't really say why you can't celebrate around her birthday. My nephews birthday is the 20th of Dec. and having birthday parties never posed a problem. I don't see why you can't make her birthday just as fun and exciting as the other kids, just because its around Christmas. The money that would be used to have the half birthday could be saved. Have it the weekend b4 her actual birthday, or celebrate it at school with her classmates. Then on her actual day you could have family cake and ice cream. Another suggestion is to have it the weekend b4 and make it a winter theme. Make snow cones, or have activities at a facility or home. Then do winter games, like sledding race, snowball fights, or build and dress the snowman.

I don't know if it's just me. But to celebrate my birthday months b4 my actual birthday would in kids terms "suck". I think you have other options, so that it won't take away from her or others. Its seems like a punishment because she was born then. Like if you were born sooner and not so close to Christmas, we could throw you a party like your siblings.

I think that I would try to figure out a way to make it work close to her birthday. I think if I were the one with a birthday in December and I was given a party in the summer I would feel like I wasn't important enough to my parents or that I was a burden having my birthday in December. What about having the party sometime while the kids are on winter break, but maybe during the day. That would be a great way for the kids to see each other during that time. I think the kids would love it and I think it would be really special for her.

I have a son whose birthday is 10 days after Christmas. Even thou this time of the year is hectic, I still find a way to make his birthday a "Special Day". I have always let him pick out his own themed paper supplies and where he wanted to have his party. There are so many places now that kids can have parties in the winter that are indoors and alot of fun. My 3 year old niece just attended a party at a gymnastic center and LOVED IT!!! I don't know of anyone who celebrates on their half-birthdays, but good luck with what ever choice you make!!

In my opinion, it is not fair to your daughter to celebrate her birthday in the summer. Her party sould be on or near her birthday. My sister's birthday is in February and never celebrated a 1/2 birthday. I have 2 girls, 1 in December & 1 on Valentine's Day (I have 1 neice born on Christmas Day, the other 2 days after Christmas, & a nephew at the end of January). We have always found fun ways to celebrate, a party at home, Chuck E Cheese, a pool party at the Y, skating rinks, bowling. There's tons of stuff to do inside. If you have a 1/2 birthday, it's kinda like telling her that her actual birthdate isn't important. I am a teacher and my students (along with every other small child I have ever met) are so excited when their actual birthday rolls around!

My daughters birthday is Dec.19 and we've had her birthday the weekend that it falls closest to every year up until now. This year she and I have decided to have a summer birthday for her. We are calling it her 'half birthday' even though we aren't worried if it is exactly 6 months from her birth date. The reason she asked for this is so she can have it outside. She doesn't feel that she is to much of a bother to have it in Dec. she just would like to have it in the warm weather this year. More then likely we will go back to her regularly scheduled birthday next year. *shrug* it's up to her. As far as hubby and the in-laws are concerned..... Ask hubby why he doesn't want to do a half birthday? It may be that he thinks it will be just to much to have all those parties in such a close time.... if that is the case try and plan her party as far away from the others as you can (early or late in summer). The in-laws, well I may not be popular for this opinion but tell them to shove it. She is your daughter, not theirs. If you want to have her party in the summer then go for it! If you are wanting to be able to take her to the park then I don't see the problem with early/mid Sept.
GL, most importantly talk with your husband!! Try to find out why he doesn't want her party in the summer and see if you can come to a compromise.

No half-sies!
That's cheating that poor baby out of her birthday. I know how rough it is my son's b-day is the 29th of Dec. We still make it out to be the best day ever!!even after Christmas.
Good luck!!
R.

One thing you need to think about, is that your other children will also want half birthdays as well, so it could lead to many celebrations, which may or may not be something you want to consider. I have two children born in Dec., one on the 7th and one on Dec 18th. We've had lots of fun celebrating their birthdays and they feel very special on their special day. We solved the problem with special indoor places that you might consider for your daughter as well. For example: Chuck E. Cheese, movie theater party, skating party, indoor pool party, bowling party, etc. We've found these types of parties are lots of fun for everyone, regardless of the weather and there are no rules about bringing your own cakes or food for those with allergies. By taking the party out of the home, the Christmas feel is left behind and the children feel that their day, although being both in winter and close to a holiday, are still special and well celebrated. Just a thought. Either way, a party on her birthday or on her half birthday, have lots of fun with your birthday girl!

My best friends siter is celebrating her kids half bdays in june this year for the same reason. There is just so much more to do in nice weather and not around all the holidays. My kids bdays are all around holidays in the winter also (nov.8, Jan.15,& Jan.17). Why dont you have 1 BIG party in the summer for all of them. Rather than having several parties. You can do some bigger things and probably still save money when you account for food and all the decorations and paper products. I assume there is a lot of similar guests (close friends and family). That way everyone only comes once and you only have the stress of 1 party and I don't think anyone would object to the half party that way as long as you didnt just have some big party for her 6 months ago. I think that would be the biggest issue if you just had a party in dec and then another this summer. You may want to skip the winter party entirely to do the half party or people may think you just want people to buy your child an extra gift. Just a suggestion.

My oldest daughter was born on Dec. 24 and we celebrated her half-birthday (June 24) probably for 7 or 8 years.
It was just easier, and we were able to invite other children at that time of the year.
It is just crazy in December.
You could do it for a few years until she is older and then maybe she could have her party at an indoor fun place.
It is NOT up to your inlaws when you celebrate it, so they should butt out.
We have six children and they only had parties with friends at age 5 and 10.
Otherwise it was just a family affair, plus we (parents) took that child to dinner just with us as a special treat.
Hope these ideas help.
They are meant to help you maintain your sanity.
And remember, ONLY invite the same number of friends as the age of the child. (If your child is 5, invite 5 of his/her friends.)

Hi R. -
Personally, I've never heard of a half-birthday party instead and it seems odd to me. Why make such a big deal about her party being different - what's wrong with not having the same party everyone else does? The other kids might enjoy it for a change!
In my family, we have 3 birthdays in November, my anniversary, plus my birthday and my daughter's in December. It's a hectic time and it gets expensive but we make it work - on one income - we set money aside all year to be ready for that time! I'VE never had a problem or felt like I missed out on anything having MY birthday in December. We've never had a problem finding a theme for my daughter's parties, either - whatevers she's into at the time... care bears, backyardigans, dora, elmo... the party stores and websites have plenty of good ideas. Check out FamilyFun.com - excellent ideas and easy games/crafts/cakes to make! I'd set aside some special time to let her go pick out what she wants from the party store and choose little trinket gifts for her friends attending. We manage to fit it all in. I'm sure youre daughter will appreciate it. There are lots of good ideas here for parties at other locations as well. We had my son's at Lunar Mini Golf ("glow in the dark" putt putt by blacklight) last year and it was a huge hit with the kids!
Good luck with your December birthday!