SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - Ask anyone born on or around 25 December and they'll tell you, being a Christmas baby stinks.

Here are a few points to ponder for parents and friends of Santa's little elves:

This day should be their big chance to be the centre of attention. Instead, they are competing with someone who has no competition. 

In most cases these little ones will spend their birthday without their bosom buddies, who will be away on holiday or, conversely, with family and new-found friends met a few days before. 

The birthday cake will certainly not be a sponge cake iced up to look like a red Ferrari, but a round fruit cake with gold paper decorations that must be removed before tucking in.

Ouch. On their birthday, everyone else's excitement will be about the presents they themselves receive, not about the birthday girl / boy's. 

Who will notice theirs? 

Parents, please never say "merry birthday", it is the height of thoughtlessness. 

So here it is for all the Christmas babies: Happy birthday and a merry Christmas!

Christmas babies, you will have it tough, but take heart; think of your friends that are born on Boxing Day - they will never know what a warm special birthday lunch tastes like. 

The family will be enjoying cold turkey on rye bread with trifle and bought custard. 

Think of the little Boxing Day boys with sympathy. 

They will receive a big shiny truck on Christmas Day and for their birthday the next day, the trailer.

Happy birthday on Christmas Day!

ARTICLE: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST

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