When your birthday falls on Christmas Day! |23 December 2023
Anil in the company of his parents
Imagine finding presents all wrapped in birthday-themed wrappings under the Christmas tree! Combining two celebrations in one day can be quite a task.
So how does it feel like to be a Christmas baby? Is it a privilege or does birthday just gets forgotten as the focus is on Christmas itself?
To find the answers I decided to reach out to Anifa Elizabeth and her husband Wallace, parents who welcomed their son on Christmas Day back in 2009.
The story... Anifa’s prayer being answered
“Anil’s due date was supposed to be on January 12, 2010. I remember during the festive season, I had gotten so tired that when I prayed I asked God to please allow me to deliver the baby on Christmas Day so that I can name him Jean-Noel,” she recalled.
“So his names are Anil, Jean-Noel, Wallace Elizabeth, born at 9:57am on December 25, 2009. It felt so good to deliver a baby on Christmas Day. There were eight babies born on that day and all of us were happy with our new bundles of joy next to us.”
I remember, we had planned to host a nice family gathering for Christmas but I ended up in the hospital.
Becoming a dad on Christmas Day...
“Wow! To become a dad on such a special day is simply a blessing. I was very happy and excited too. When my wife was in the delivery room, I kept asking myself if it is really happening,” said Wallace.
“It is one of the most memorable moments in my life that I will never forget and I am thankful that my son decided that he was ready to meet his parents on Christmas Day. This has been the best Christmas present ever!”
To be born on Christmas...Meet Anil
“I feel blessed and honoured to have been born on such an auspicious occasion as not many people are privileged to celebrate their birthdays on this important date.”
“Firstly, when I wake up in the morning, I head to church with my family. The opening of presents comes after that. It feels so good to see all the gifts tucked under the Christmas tree and even in my room.
Then comes the special lunch with so many scrumptious dishes not forgetting the desserts. And in the afternoon, loved ones will come by and of course, making me feel extra special by bringing lots of presents.
The wrapping papers and the birthday parties
“We have always wrapped his presents in Christmas-themed wrappings only. But we used to host parties for him and at times we organised one at home on Christmas Day and then one at his day care centre. He will always get lots of presents from everyone who came to spend the day with us.”
My ideal birthday... and the downsides of celebrating it on Christmas Day
“I wouldn’t mind spending my birthday somewhere where I can make other great memories and have more fun, but if my family and some of my friends are here, then this is what I would term as my ideal birthday bash,” he said.
“Most people would think that combining two celebrations in one day has all the ups, but let me tell you that it has its downs too. People usually give me one present so my birthday present becomes my Christmas present too.”
“And then my friends and other relatives cannot always come to my place as they are also spending time with their own families on Christmas Day. But at least my birthday falls on a public holiday.”
Seychelles NATION wishes Anil a blessed 14th birthday!