BIRTHDAY NUMBER TWO

Creating an alternative birthday day is a common solution. “I try to celebrate with friends maybe a week before and my mum used to give me the presents early so it would make it special,” said Mr Wilson.
Ms Sokol said that one year she organised a birthday six months early, “But that fizzed out after one year because it feels very strange getting a present in July.”
She hasn’t been tempted to do it again, “I would feel a bit embarrassed because the moment’s gone. I think it would be a bit self-indulgent.”
Even closer to the actual day is a struggle, she says. “ At Christmas no one wants to spend extra money so I’ve actually stopped doing things with friends because it’s just too hard basket.”