I have a late December birthday, I feel you.

My youngest brother has a December birthday as did my grandfather. Neither was fond of that fact. Both said that they felt like their birthday and Christmas often got combined or the birthday overlooked when asked. So I understand your annoyance… You will find that as you get older that birthdays become less important than when you were young. When we are young birthdays are things to be looked forward to because of the presents and the acknowledgement by our family. When we are older with jobs and careers we can usually buy ourselves what we need. And while work can be difficult at times, there are times when we do get the occasional acknowledgment - and that’s for something we did and not just for being born… At least that’s what I tell myself… My own birthday is in early March and most places I have lived March is still questionable weather - tending towards being cool and rainy. I always wanted to have been born in summer or late spring… You don’t get to pick your birthday. It’s one of those things that you just have to play the hand of cards you were dealt.

Saying your birthday screws up their Christmas plans is a polite way for your so-called friends to say how much they value you.

My birthday is at the beginning of December, and my daughters is a week before Christmas. I've come to accept that Christmas will always overshadow my birthday, though my daughter is still young and enjoys both her birthday and then Christmas. I sympathise with you.