Why twin birthdays are tough

I really don’t like to complain about the stress of being a parent. I am a “the glass is half full” kind of gal to begin with, and I also recognize how fortunate I am to have children. And I feel a bit Scrooge-like for making birthday parties the subject of my rant. However, (you knew that was coming, didn’t you?), last weekend was my twins’ birthday, and I find planning their party even more challenging than my other two kids’. Basically, I feel like it is my duty to try to make up for the fact that Wyatt and Theo were born on the same day. Here’s why I think they get ripped off:

• They have to share their special day. Yes, sharing is a lesson all kids need to learn, but not getting your very own day once a year seems unfair.
• They have to watch someone else get presents, too. When you are opening gifts beside someone the same age as you, it’s hard not to like what you see. I spend a lot of time picking presents for each kid based on their individual likes and interests, but at least one of them — if not both — end want something the other one receives. To combat this, we could give them each the same thing, but this defeats the whole “they are two different people” theme I am committed to.
• There is nothing left to give them. Their birthday is January 11^th. Perhaps other parents of January babies can relate: I am a bit overwhelmed by the gluttony of the holidays, and quite frankly have to try very hard to muster up the wherewithal to shop for more presents.
• There’s too much cake. We always have two cakes, not just because one likes chocolate and the other likes vanilla but because, again, it’s important to recognize they are individuals. We sing "Happy Birthday" (in English and French) to each kid. That means singing it four times. (It’s a surprisingly long song!) A few days later, I end up throwing out a shocking amount of stale cake. I really hate to waste food and money. (Yes, I know, cupcakes would be more economical, however, they just don’t feel the same.)

 
I would love to hear from anyone who can relate. Do you have twins? Do you have a child born in January? (Or between December 26^th and 31^st? I can’t image how hard that must be, too!) Did you give birth on your birthday? Do you have any suggestions? Let me know. I have a year to plan for their 8^th birthday party. I know I can do better.

Photo by: cupcakequeen via Flickr