At this time of year, many people stop and reflect on life. They think about their family traditions, and the important role they play in their lives. I do that too, but I reflect from a different perspective. I look at the Christmas traditions that were—and for good reason—will never be again.
Having a Christmas Baby:
Okay, I knew this kid in high school whose birthday was Christmas. Everyone always said how cool it was that her birthday was on that day. I thought it was cool too, until I went into labor on Christmas Eve a few years later.
This is the deal with Christmas labor: first, the hospital makes a point of telling you that they have only a skeleton crew on duty. Why a hospital insists on using the term skeleton crew is beyond me. It just conjures up images of death, fear, and nothing good. Also, as I found out the hard way, the skeleton crew does not include an anesthesiologist, which means—no drugs!
Luckily for my husband, I do not moan—well, in labor anyway. I am a silent pain person. But, the nursing staff took my silence to mean that I was comfortable enough to enjoy a visit from Santa Claus. The only thing I wanted to do to that Santa Claus, who came into the labor room on that blessed Christmas, was to take his reindeer antlers, and stick them up his chimney.
The nice thing about a Christmas labor and delivery was that they stuck a pink Santa hat on my daughter’s head when she did finally come out on December 26. See, I went through all that, and she didn’t make an appearance until the day after. In hindsight, December 26 fits her better. She is a gifted shopper, so she appreciates the after Christmas sales the stores launch just for her birthday!
To avoid the Christmas baby tradition, I abstain from all frivolity from March 1 through March 31.Yes, at one point in time, Saint Patrick’s Day was a great time, but never again.
