An Ocean Grove boy has shared the unique experience of celebrating his birthday on Christmas Day, one of Australia's rarest dates to be born.
A Birthday Shared With Christmas
Xavier Bell from Ocean Grove has turned 12 years old on December 25, 2025. For his entire life, the Geelong region primary school student has shared his special day with the festive celebrations of Christmas. His mother, Clare Bell, revealed that Xavier was actually four days overdue, suggesting he was determined to arrive on that particular date.
"He really wanted to be born that day," Clare said. The family has always been conscious of ensuring Xavier's birthday does not get lost in the Christmas chaos. "We always make sure he feels special and isn't overlooked," she explained.
Double Presents and the Occasional Joint Gift
This year, the celebrations started early with a fantastic gift: a corgi puppy named Biscuit. Xavier also enjoyed a party with friends at Bounce trampoline centre, followed by a sleepover, successfully navigating the busy festive period to mark his milestone.
Xavier offered a balanced view of his unique birthday situation. "It's a bit annoying, but you get double the presents, so it doesn't really matter," the 12-year-old said. He did, however, admit to a common frustration for those born in late December or early January: occasionally receiving a single gift that is meant to cover both Christmas and his birthday.
Making Room for Cake After Christmas Feasts
Despite the day being packed with traditional Christmas lunches and dinners, the Bell family makes a dedicated effort to honour Xavier's birthday. After all the festive meals, they still find space for a birthday cake, carving out a distinct celebration within the Christmas holiday.
According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Christmas Day is one of the nation's least common birthdays. The only date with fewer births is February 29, which only occurs during a leap year. This statistic highlights just how unusual Xavier's birthday experience is among Australians.
