March 29, 2024

Tales of a winter birthday

Your birthday should always be a special day. It’s the day your story begins and is something you will acknowledge for the rest of your life.

As for me, mine is extra special because I share it with my best friend, partner-in-crime and twin sister, Trish. Being a twin is truly one of the best blessings I have ever received.

As awesome as birthdays are, mine falls in February — a winter month. There is one thing people born in December, January and February (and at times November and March) can understand — the limits that come with having a birthday smack dab in the cold, snowy season.

I’ll state the obvious one first, it can snow on your birthday. Plans are always tentative because you never know what Mother Nature might have in store for you on your big day. In the past five years, I can think of at least three times there was a blizzard on my birthday. It was not fun. Admittedly, there have been a few times that I have enjoyed a birthday free of weather worries when it has been unseasonably warm with no snow on the ground, but don’t try planning on that. I know I live in Iowa; after all, anything can happen — like snowing in May.

Because of the snow, any ideas of an outside celebration are out. Unless you are really into wintery, outdoorsy activities (I am not one of those people), most of the festivities are required to happen indoors. One year, my brother, who was born in October, had his friends over for his birthday, and they had a scavenger hunt. They ran through the house and all over outside finding clues and prizes. It sounded like a blast. The closest Trish and I came to that was getting a pool party in a hotel, once. While it was fun, yes, it was not like being in the great outdoors.

Winter also means cold and flu season, so you are more likely to be sick on your birthday. We are susceptible to illness all year round, but these are the months you are most likely going to catch some sort of “bug.” These viruses flourish in the cold, dry air making it so your body’s immune system can’t fight off the infections as well. Being sick on your birthday is the pits. You want to be happy and celebrate, but your body just wants rest, fluids and “Game of Thrones” marathons (maybe the last one is just me).

Another thing about winter birthdays is it is so close to Christmas. I realize mine is in February so there is some separation, but it’s basically Christmas, birthday and wait 10 months for the next round. While there are plenty of holidays and fun events to be excited about in those 10 months, I consider Christmas and birthday to be at the top of the list. Our Savior was born and God blessed you with life — can’t get more important than that.

Despite all the drawbacks a winter birthday can have, it is still something I look forward to every year. Winter has never been my favorite season, but having a birthday in the middle of it gives you something to anticipate, especially because it’s not just my day. Whether it’s on the actual day or a few days late, I always get to spend time with my sister. If I get nothing else for my birthday, seeing her is the best present I can get.

So to all of you who have a winter birthday like me, know that you are not alone. We all can sympathize with years of practice adjusting our plans.  Despite the drawbacks, whenever you get together for your birthday, it is something to be celebrated.

Contact Pam Rodgers at 641-792-3121 ext. 6531 or prodgers@newtondailynews.com