Did you know that many people believe that babies born on Christmas Day or any day in December have certain traits?
Some would even say that December babies are kind of special.
Of course, Jesus is the most precious Christmas baby ever born and the celebration of his birth proclaims him as Emmanuel or God with us, the king of kings, and the savior of the world.
But what about us mere humans who are born on Christmas Day or in the month of December?
Guess which scientist and mathematician were born on Christmas Day?
Based on England’s Julian Calendar, Issac Newton was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1642. Newton was a Christmas preemie, born three months prematurely.
Whether you call Christmas babies Christmas elves, Christmas gifts, Santa babies, or any other name, these little bundles of Christmas joy are rare occurrences.
Births during Christmas Eve, December 24th, and Christmas Day, December 25th, are the rarest birthdays of all.
Who would have thought this to be the case, even though the magic of December is recognized in many cultures around the world?
None of the 47 American presidents was born on Christmas Day. The two presidents with birthdays closest to Christmas Day were Franklin Pierce and Millard Fillmore.
That’s not to say that other famous people, such as politicians, athletes, actors, and other entertainers, don’t have their share of Christmas birthdays.
There were 1,316 Christmas babies in 2024.
Not only is Christmas Day not a common birthday, but December is not among the most common birth months. On the contrary, according to birth data, December and November are common months for conception. Maybe the cold weather is one of the culprits.
Why are December 24th and 25th uncommon birthdays?
One reason is that doctors are unlikely to pre-schedule C-sections on these two days.
Being born in an uncommon birth month makes December babies rather special, though some may disagree.
I am a December baby.
My mom and two siblings were also born in December, which includes my brother, who was born on Christmas Eve.
So, what’s so special about December and Christmas babies?
Studies show that boys born in December are often left-handed.
Those born in December, a time associated with generosity and gift-giving, are attuned to kindness and the needs of the less fortunate.
Being born in December may suggest not only character traits but also a career. Research at the Office for National Statistics suggests that people born in December are likely to become dentists.
Studies show that babies born in the winter month of December are likely to live longer than the average American lifespan of 80 years.
Babies born in December or other colder months are more likely to have larger bones and muscle mass and to be involved in sports.
Did my December-born family have any of these traits?
None of my December-born siblings or my mom played sports, but I was a cheerleader in high school.
Yes, they were and are very giving, and my brother was right-handed.
Yes, December and Christmas babies are cherished with or without the special traits that researchers suggest.
The traits of December-born babies may be questionable.
We thank God for Jesus, the Savior of the world, born on Christmas Day!
Merry Christmas!
I hope you are happy and well.