The 14 Struggles (and 1 Big Perk!) of Having a Holiday Baby

Not everyone (read: almost no one) feels like a million bucks after they have a baby. But try telling Grandma that you won't be at Christmas dinner because you just don't feel like carrying on an actual conversation.

You're so busy being excited (or anxious) for the arrival of your little one that you'll probably forget all about the anticipation you usually have for Christmas Day.

Nothing like a strong cocktail to help ease the madness that comes with a house full of family — except if you're breastfeeding (or still pregnant).

You have no idea if you'll be celebrating the holidays in the hospital, at a relative's house with a newborn in your arms, or still pregnant.

If you didn't get your shopping done before baby's arrival, you better hope everything you need is available on Amazon.

All you want to do is snuggle in bed with your fresh new baby and instead you've got an ugly sweater party, a holiday lunch, and family dinner at your aunt's house on the calendar.

This is true no matter what time of year you have a baby, but add the nostalgic sentiments of the holiday season and you're really in for it.

They know it's around the holidays, but was it the day before Thanksgiving? Or right after Christmas? Or was it actually Christmas Eve?

It's cold. It might even be snowing. Better put on ALL. THE. LAYERS.

You're in close quarters with family, and family is apparently exempt from the cold and flu season warning.

There's no way to know if you'll be attending your friend's annual white elephant exchange at nine months pregnant or missing it for the birth of your child.

Sure, there are plenty of people around. But instead of helping you with your newborn they're busy prepping Thanksgiving dinner, shopping for gifts, and spending time with their own families.

If you usually bake a special treat to give to all of your neighbors, you might have to accept that this year's will be store-bought (or not happen at all).

Forgot to wrap that one gift? Don't send your holiday cards out until Valentine's Day? Have nothing to contribute to Thanksgiving dinner? No one will think twice because you've got the best excuse in the book — a brand-new baby!