Some people think having a birthday close to Christmas is a good thing. At least that’s what everyone says when I tell them my birthday is Dec. 23.
As an adult, it’s whatever. But as a kid, it’s brutal.
Between the twofer gifts (wrapped in Christmas paper), the non-existent birthday parties (because nobody’s in town two days before Christmas) and the futile battle for attention against some other guy whose birthday is that week (Santa Claus), a kid’s first few childhood birthdays are anything but “fun.”
My parents learned pretty quickly the importance of buying a separate sheet of blue wrapping paper along with the six-pack rolls of red and green. They turned down the Christmas carols while they sang Happy Birthday to me. They begged my friends’ parents to stick around a day or two longer before heading off to grandma’s. They even experimented a little with “early birthdays.” Props to ’em for going the distance.
Looking back, it’s not really that big of a deal. In fact, I learned to love my birthday for what it is. Regardless, I decided long ago that I’d never have a Christmas baby.
While I don’t have any actual children yet, I did violate my own rule a few years ago when co-founding the Flyer on Dec. 21. Fortunately, websites don’t expect parties, cakes, or G.I. Joe aircraft carriers.
All they ask for is traffic. And thanks to people like you, it’s an easy gift to give.
As Dustin said earlier today, we’re so very thankful for everyone who takes the time to stop by and read our posts and especially for those who contribute to the discussions that begin here.
You’re the reason this week is so special to us. Well, you and Santa, of course.
Seriously, though. Thank you so much.
Here’s the list. Happy Holidays.
- Tuesday, Dec. 21
- JJ’s Grill n Chill: Jeff Fox
- Teatro Scarpino: Holiday Jazz Jam
- Wednesday, Dec. 22
- Nadine Baum Studios: Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)
- Common Grounds: Odis Elevator
- Greenhouse Grille: Tiffany Christopher
- JJ’s Grill n Chill: Mike & Grady
- Fix: Merry FIXmas w/ Domewrekka, Bizar & Doohickey
- Thursday, Dec. 23
- Nadine Baum Studios: Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)
- JJ’s Grill n Chill: Tim Meitzen
- George’s Majestic Lounge: Boomkinetic
- Teatro Scarpino: The Jingle Ball
- Rogue Pizza Co.: Chooch and the Sidehill Gougers
- Smoke & Barrel Tavern: Scott Leeper
- Friday, Dec. 24
- Nadine Baum Studios: Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)
- George’s Majestic Lounge: Steve Pryor
- Smoke & Barrel Tavern: Cletus Got Shot
- Sunday, Dec. 26
- Greenhouse Grille: Candy Lee and the Sweets
- Nadine Baum Studios: Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)
- Pesto Cafe: Shannon Wurst
- Monday, Dec. 27
- JJ’s Grill n Chill: Derek Townsend
- Pesto Cafe: Darren Ray
