A birthdays is probably one of those events in our life history where we can be legitimately selfish and it's OK. Sure why not?! It's the day you were born and thus needed to be celebrated, right?

For most of us with normal birthdays, yes, I said, normal - I'll tell you why in a minute - you probably still celebrate your birthday with gusto! You probably still get jiddy and throw wild parties if not intimately on your special day. I can't say I blame you, it is your birthday after all.

Now here's the why I said normal part. My Birthday is three days before Christmas. Imagine growing up and getting 2-in-one gifts ALL THE TIME. I used to hate that but as I grew older, while still hating getting that same treatment, I did come to a place in my life where I learned to appreciate the fact that I still get gifts even at a very harsh economy that we now currently have.

I thought of those who don't get any at all. Not even on Christmas. And to me, that made me luckier in every possible aspect. But the thought of children not getting anything on Christmas made me feel sick to my tummy. That just wasn't right. I have a child of my own. I know exactly how she would feel if she didn't get any present at all. Ironically, THAT was the day I stopped celebrating my birthday for myself!

I now celebrate my birthday to celebrate the life of others. Last year, for my birthday, I did a toy drive for the homeless children in my community and chose Bright Blessings as the recipient. I'm doing it again this year and I'm truly grateful to those who already donated to my birthday cause. To give a gift to a child and know that it will bring them happiness is the best gift one can ever receive on their birthday! This is genuinely true for me.

So yes, I guess, I still can be selfish on my birthday but it is no longer for me...

Maricris

If you want to be a part of this wonderful charitable gift-giving or just to greet me Happy Birthday, visit ZensibleMama.com and simply holler at me!