By Torie Wright, Ada Icon intern

My family celebrated an extra special Christmas in 2001: We welcomed my cousin Madison to the world that day. I was 9 years old.

I remember very clearly just how excited I was, and then the disappointment when I wasn’t allowed to hold her in the hospital. My uncle did let me burp her, though.

Madison is now an Ada seventh grader, a participant in soccer, volleyball, and winter guard, and will celebrate her 13th Christmas birthday this year.

She shared some insight with me as to what it’s like to have a birthday fall on Christmas:

How do you normally celebrate?
I usually have a party at my Nana’s with family. [This is her mom’s side of the family. She and I are related on the paternal side, which gathers every Christmas Eve.]

Have you ever been able to have a party with your friends?
Yeah, but it’s always after…in, like, January.

What are the upsides of having your birthday on Christmas?
I get to spend my birthday with family all day because I’m with them on Christmas. Also, I never have to go to school on my birthday.

Are there any downsides?
I can’t really ever have a birthday party.

Have you ever had a Christmas themed birthday cake?
No. 

What is your cake going to look like this year?
It’s going to be square, with pink zebra stripes.

Do you know what time you were born?
I think it was like 1:09 p.m. or something.

Thanks for talking with me, Madison!
I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!