When did Half-Birthdays become a thing?

Witzend

The birthday of my younger Gdd is on 6th January, so I’ll be giving her a little half-birthday present when it’s her big brother’s birthday next week.
I will also be giving a little something to elder Gdd (April birthday) - can’t very well do one without the other at their ages.

You absolutely can. I remember being fed up that my Nan always gave my sister a present on MY birthday. I didn't even think it was right when the same happened for me. They birthday person should get the presents - nobody else.

Calendargirl

ElaineI

So DGS2 "graduated" from being in nursery into his pre-school year - when did that become a thing ?

Probably when 3 year olds became ‘students’, as opposed to ‘pupils’. ?

?

I've always found that ridiculous. To me, a student is over 18, and you graduate from university, not school or nursery.

Years ago, when I had a party for our silver wedding a friend said in all seriousness that if she and her husband had got married when we did, it would be their SW too, so was considering having a party herself!!! She always like to be the centre of attention though

My cousin was born on my half birthday. I always remember to send her a card.

I have a Christmas GD, so I make a point of buying her something summery later in the year.

I have fortunately never heard of it . One birthday is enough to deal with. Why celebrate getting six months older ?It is bad enough being reminded you are one year older. I am not a fan of birthdays though of course I wouldn’t deny children the pleasure of it but definitely only once a year.

Not since I was 10 and a half. (December birthday)

Have never heard of this. A birthday is a ‘birth’ day not a day 6 months later surely.
Doesn’t make any sense. But each to their own.

It’s nice for children who have late December/early Jan birthdays. They get some summer toys in June. I always do it for my grandson

My inbox at the moment is full of half birthday vouchers for 25% of meals at various outlets.

I hadn't heard of half birthdays 4 years ago when this thread started and I still hadn't heard of them until now. I suppose I can understand it for Christmas or New Year birthdays but otherwise it seems quite unnecessary.

Half-birthdays make sense to those unfortunates born just after Christmas. Just before is ok in a world awash with presents and excitement. Just after means everyone’s broke, had enough celebrations, eaten and drunk too much, gone back to work, travelled for Christmas and don’t want to travel again because it’s cold and wet or snowy.
All your presents come at once and it’s a year before you get any more. A year is forever to a child. It would be good to have sex banned in March/April so babies aren’t doomed from birth to joyless birthdays forever.

You can add me to the list of people who hadn't heard of a half-birthday.

"When were you born?"
"Half of me on 16th February, the other half on 16th August."

Another thing, isn't having a half-birthday admitting you're not confident you'll reach your actual birthday?

Each to their own I suppose.

Franbern

I really cannot endorse the idea of giving a present to a sibling when another sibling has a birthday/

Surely, a birthday is a special day for that person - very much so when they are children. Other children in the family need to learn that they get their own special day once a year, and so do their siblings.

I so agree with you.

Sounds like some awful marketing jobie!

I’d love two birthdays a year haha, just like the Queen or King

This thread is 4 years old but never mind

My friend used to give her son a half birthday as his actual birthday was Christmas Day

In the 1950s my mother always celebrated our half birthdays. We were given half a cake and we gave our sibling a gift. When I announced it at school none of my schoolmates ever heard of a half birthday. I have always wondered where she got the idea to do this.

Not heard of half birthdays...Once a year is fine for me...

BlueSapphire
I grew up in thr 1950's never heard of it then nor now

Growing up in the 1950s, our half birthdays were always celebrated! Used to get a small present from our mum and dad, just a bar of chocolate or sweets.

Well, I wouldn't celebrate a half birthday but I'd definitely take advantage of money off offers, why not??

I really cannot endorse the idea of giving a present to a sibling when another sibling has a birthday/

Surely, a birthday is a special day for that person - very much so when they are children. Other children in the family need to learn that they get their own special day once a year, and so do their siblings.

In Holland people celebrate their 12 1/2 year wedding anniversary!

ElaineI

So DGS2 "graduated" from being in nursery into his pre-school year - when did that become a thing ?

Probably when 3 year olds became ‘students’, as opposed to ‘pupils’. ?

?

Re - the Graduation. There was a thread about this recently and I was going to post that I thought it was a bit OTT - but DGS1’s pre-school explained that having a bit of a ceremony helps the leavers become accustomed to the fact that they are big boys and girls and going to big school soon. It did make me examine things, it costs nothing and I now think it’s not a bad idea at all if it helps the children adjust.

Well, here goes - when DD2 was born, it was exactly 4 and a half years to the day behind DD1. My DM decided to have a little gift ready for DD1 so she wouldn’t feel left out when ‘the baby’ had visitors and gifts. Nearly 40 years later and we still do it!! As well as me buying the half-birthday girl a little gift, so does her sibling. Of course, everyone thinks we are completely mad, but we don’t care!

Serendipity22

Half birthdays ????
What the heck !

Exactly my question!
I can understand having birthdays on different days if yours is say Christmas or another busy day, but this is just weird!