Huge congratulations!!! I too got those comments but its not as if there is anything you can do about it now.

It is a bit of a PITA with presents(only 2days between xmas and bday). Ive found some of the family(DF's side) only buy for xmas and skip on the bday present yet my other child gets a bday and xmas gift so thats abit unfair.

We've never had a bday party with xmas and time being difficult with everyone having their xmas parties etc. Going to change that this year by having one late november/early december.

As far as schooling the school year is based on July - June birthdays. i would have started the following year anyway(if it didnt change to the above) as i went to school with a girl born in december and she couldnt go into high school(year 8) because her bday was after the school year finished. It was pretty hard for her having to stay back and repeat year 7.

We have also done a Xmas in july for our kids by collecting money in a money tin each through out the year. In the July toy sales they get to open their tins and buy whatever they like. Dont know if we'll continue with that now i have one due in july or not.