My daughter’s birthday is the week before Christmas, which is great because I love this time of year.  The downside is that a December birthday can get lost in the swirl of holiday activity.  There are a few things that I do to make sure that her birthday stands out.  I start thinking about birthday plans in early fall, and book her party for a date early in December, so it won’t compete with other people’s holiday commitments.  I try and finish my holiday preparations before December hits so we have more time to enjoy her birthday and the holidays without rushing through them.  For the past two years we have enjoyed going to a Holiday Pops matinee in Boston on her actual birthday.  And we have a small family party just for her birthday.  If anyone has other suggestions, please add them below.