This weekend as we hosted a Birthday Party for my daughter... I got to thinking about the pros and cons of Summer Birthdays. I have three girls with a Summer, Fall, and Winter Birthday between them (our anniversary is in the Spring). From the day Emily was born, I was frequently told, "Oh, you're so fortunate to have a summer child. My child is born in a winter month and it's so tough to plan parties." But then.... Emily is in August and the weather is often 100 degrees or close enough to 100 degrees it "might as well be." Is summer really better?
Weather:
Summer Pro: When kids are old enough you can consider pool parties and outdoor fun.
Summer Con: Our summer birthday is always blazing hot (party day this week was 103 degrees), so we still plan it inside just for the luxury of a/c. Plus, I'd have to have a "rain plan" in case. With winter, you "know" you have to be inside and it simplifies the list of options.
Winter Pro: You know you have to be inside, so no worries about "rain dates" for your park party.
Winter Con: Inclement weather may force a reschedule.
Preparations:
Summer Pro: Other than the 4th of July, there aren't many holidays to work around.
Summer Con: This week, I found myself baking at midnight because I didn't want to run the oven during the day when it was so hot.
Winter Pro: In Cabin Fever months, parties can be inspiring and break the monotony of snowy months.
Winter Con: If your child's birthday is close to holidays (one of our girls was born halfway between Thanksgiving and Christmas), it can be especially difficult to schedule parties when friends and family can attend.
Gifts:
Summer Pro: Outdoor play opens an array of possibilities for great gifts. For late summer birthdays, back to school clothes, shoes, and gear can make great gifts... especially if your child is requesting a splurge on that "cool pair of shoes" you wouldn't ordinarily buy.
Summer Con: If your child has a late summer birthday, this potentially means saving the bicycle for the end of the season. If your child didn't have a summer birthday, you'd still buy the back to school items and some parents see this as "unfair" to the birthday child.
Winter Pro: Holiday sales can bring great bargains.
Winter Con: Inspiration is tough when you have holiday shopping and birthday shopping so close together. And, sometimes extended relatives combine holiday and birthday gifts for children which can seem "unfair" to the birthday child.
Conclusion?
The most "convenient" birthdays are in the Spring and Fall! Weather is nice, holidays are less of an issue, and the seasons don't impact gift giving with the level of impact August and December may bring.
What pros and cons have you discovered with your family's birthdays?
Written by Kristina Light