January Summer or Winter?

For most of us January can seem a long, dreary, month with a post Christmas feeling of the blues.
As I write this the temperature is hovering at top 70's and the family are all off at surf lessons. So why then do I still think of my chicas with January birthdays as Winter babies? Being in the southern hemisphere has done nothing to change my point of view.
If I look back over the years they celebrated as many birthdays in the tropics as they did in bleak winters. I suppose the bench marker for me is where they were born. Also being brought up in London I have memories of cold, frosty, grey, dreary days that I associate with January.
We have a lot of friends with January birthdays too and most feel short changed by it being at a time of year when no one feels compelled to party. Plus Jan 31st is a long way to pay day after the excesses of the season so not all are willing or able to commit to a jolly outing but there are sales to be had for gifts.
My biggest concern was always what to hold back for birthday presents and give as Christmas gifts. I always wanted the chica's to feel it was a separate special occasion. Even before the Christmas tree, decorations and lights were taken down I'd be searching for party invitations and planning the "theme"
Having a December birthday I know how it feels when you get a combo Birth-Christmas gift. Sometimes it appears as if people are too busy with the other events of the season to give it much thought.
For the first time ever I was not with chica 2 to celebrate her birthday. I know she felt short changed even though we chatted for some time on the phone and by I.M. It wasn't as if it lacked outings and gifts there were many of those with her friends but I like to think good old mum and her home baked cake mean something even to this chica who is restless and eager to break the yoke of parental control & influence and join the "real world".
Chica 1 has her birthday soon and again I will miss out and so I suppose these random musings are to try and get me to a point of wishing all my January family and friends.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

How do other people celebrate birthdays? I know some who leave the cards up for a whole month. Some who barely acknowledge. There are some of us who make it a week long extravaganza. My Chicas I recall many baking sessions to provide sustenance for your myriad playmates; cupcakes for class, cookies to share with girls scouts, candies for dance group, a home made cake for the "Real" Birthday usually something with berries and cream and then the big cake for the Birthday Party.
Sadly this year no opportunity to bake for you but know that I reminisced and if I could have I would have baked you the perfect creamy, dreamy confection.