Heart & Soul

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My birthday falls in late December, a time always shared with celebrations that tend to outshine my special day. The hustle and bustle of the season, commercial decorations, glowing streetlights, and the countdown to New Year with fireworks make me long for more.

Everyone is usually focused on yearend lists and making resolutions, often forgetting my special day. "Well, at least you get to celebrate your birthday on this joyous occasion," say my close friends. Gifts aside, they add. However, the presents I received often came as the dreaded combo gifts – one for both my birthday and Christmas.

The truth is, it’s hard to carve out a celebration that’s just about you during such a festive time. I spent years learning how to make the day meaningful, special and uniquely mine. Sharing my birthday with sparkling lights, fruitcakes, mulled wine, and fireworks might sound magical, but my late mother always reminded me, "Magic is what you make it."

During the school holidays, my parents would drive my siblings and me to visit our grandparents and cousins.

Being too young to plan my own birthday, I spent many anxious days looking forward to that one celebration.

Whenever my grandpa took us to town, the colourful ornaments displayed in rattan baskets and hanging on hooks took my breath away. There were table decorations, garlands and candles of every hue on sale. Instead of buying a Christmas tree, my grandpa would find a fir tree in his vast garden. With some old strings of coloured lights, he created a sparkling Christmas tree that amazed our neighbours.

Growing up in a mixed environment, festive seasons made us aware of everyone’s race and religion. But that didn’t stop us from celebrating the New Year together. Still, I would remind my mother to buy me a book about the significance of Christmas for my special day.

In my teens, I learned that small gestures can make a significant difference in people’s lives. As an avid reader, I had accumulated a collection of novels and storybooks over the years that I no longer read. When a friend mentioned volunteering to set up a library at our community temple, I decided to part ways with my book collection. It was time for my magical Christmas stories to bring hope to someone else. Coincidentally, the library was officially opened on New Year’s Eve.

The writer is a December baby. Photo: Sheela Kanagasabai

I realised that giving and receiving thoughtful gifts, celebrating light in the darkness with family, or doing good for the community reassures people that there will always be a new chapter to look forward to.

Four years after getting married, I became pregnant with my first child. My eldest daughter, an unforgettable gift, arrived just after New Year.

Two years later, my second daughter was born the day before my birthday. Family and friends came to visit, and we raised a toast to the beautiful memories tied to our childhood and adult traditions. My birthday was no longer about getting presents or gifts. I embraced my role as a wife and mother, shifting my focus from what I lacked to what I had gained.

Special occasions like birthdays, festivals and anniversaries became opportunities to reflect on life’s lessons and experiences. Celebrating my children’s milestones, particularly their 16th and 21st birthdays, became paramount. Recognising their growth, achievements and maturity made them feel valued and loved – and that was the ultimate celebration.

My parents always treated their birthdays like any other day, but I soon realised that celebrations matter because of the impact you’ve had on others. To celebrate your birthday is to acknowledge that you love life and are happy to be alive. It’s a gift from the Universe, God, or whatever higher power you believe in. Birthdays remind us of our accomplishments and the extraordinary potential within us. Cherish each moment, strive to overcome challenges, and be proud of your age. Treat your birthday as a festival of life.

Growing older has brought wisdom, knowledge and confidence. As a senior citizen, the only present I need is how I present myself to others. Making a difference in someone else’s life brings unmatched satisfaction. I’ve become more attuned to birthday milestones, experiencing each day with gratitude.

Life is about loving what surrounds you and embracing every opportunity to create a positive purpose. Only then will every birthday resemble a magical moment – a special treat, no matter the age or occasion.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone!