We're going to hit you with a hard truth: people with winter birthdays get gypped.
Theirs are so close to Christmas/Hanukkah that people combine their birthday and holiday gift because it seems-- to them, at least --unfair that they have to give you presents at two different times.
They could never celebrate their birthday with a pool party (like all the cool, spring/summer birthday kids), and it may or may not have been cold enough for snow. Heck, some of their birthday parties may have been snowed out.
Now that we're older, we're not so upset about the gift thing.
We're more psyched that we get to abuse holiday deals (birthdays on Cyber Monday are a dangerous combination--- trust us) to treat ourselves to a holiday gift, or jumping on the socially acceptable pattern of over-indulging in one way or another.
Even those people who have January and February birthdays can still get excited that they have something more to celebrate once the holiday season is over because everyone knows that January is a big let down compared to December.
So embrace your winter birth, and get out and celebrate with these fun ideas.
1. Drink
Oh, come on, did you really expect us to say anything else? Winter (especially when it is neither snowy nor the holidays) can be a seriously gloomy time of year. What makes that better? Alcohol. Lots of alcohol.
Go grab a bunch of friends together, find a happy hour that makes those gin & tonics just the way you like them, and drink until your spilling your heart out about how jealous you were of anyone with a summer birthday and how you never get proper gifts or cards.
Drinking helps. Trust.
2. Go ice skating
We've had quite a few of these birthdays. There are so many places in NYC for you to go iceskating. Some of them are even free to skate, which is incredibly helpful when people are already complaining about having to buy you two gifts.
Plus, you've probably had so many of these kinds of birthday parties growing up that you'll skate circles around those summer babies.
3. Ski trip
So (as proper winter babies) we're looking forward to the first dusting of snow. Seriously, this warm weather is killing us. We're anxiously checking the lift reports to see when we can strap up our snowboards for the first time this season.
But when the temperature finally drops and the first dusting coats the trails, gather a group of friends and spend a day/weekend on the slopes. Whether or not you're stuck on the bunny slope or even the snow tubes, you're sure to have a blast with friends.
4. Broadway show
Broadway shows have developed a pretty bad reputation of being way too expensive, but they're really not. Plus, it's not something that people do every day.
Also, there's something so much more magical to go to a Broadway show while all of the christmas decorations are up in the city.
5. Laser tag
We don't care what your age is, you are never too old for laser tag. You're probably thinking, but couldn't we do that in the summer? Sure, you could, if you wanted to be in a disgustingly hot room that stinks of yesterday's sweat. No matter what, A/C's just don't compare to nature's cooler weather.
Plus, you can always make the loser pay for the first round of beers when you decide finally decide that our first point is definitely the best option to go with on your birthday.
,6. Beer/wine tasting
This goes along with number 1, but we mean drink in a more refined manner. Are you a beer lover? Great, gather your group and head on over to Brooklyn Brewery for a tour and tasting.
Not feelin' the hops? Indulge at one of these wine bars and savor the subtle flavors of your favorite vintage.
7. Spa day
Sure, you may think that this would be too hard to manage, but it's really not. Download LookBooker and click your way to an appointment, whether it's facials, massages, or just simply getting your nails done. Who doesn't want to look good on their birthday?
8. Rock climbing
You may not want to do this after #7, but it's still a great thing to do that most people don't really think of. Really, you don't have to be an expert.
All of you might be incredibly out of shape and feel uncomfortable with the harnesses, but you'll have a blast laughing at each other. Plus, you'll get your exercise for the day, so you won't feel guilty when you go out and do #1 on this list...
9. Karaoke
Hit up the nearest karaoke bar. As soon as you get there, sign everyone up for a song, because it's no fun unless everyone does it. Plus, you have the opportunity to hope that someone is an even worse singer than you are.
Even if you aren't up for embarrassing yourself, you'll still get to watch everyone else make fools of themselves. That's like the gift you give yourself!
Check out 7 Things to Do on New Year's Eve in NYC That Don't Include Getting Sh*tfaced.
[Feature Image Courtesy NewYork.com]