It’s official – January really is the worst month to have a birthday, as new research by Milano reveals that our Capricorn and Aquarius friends are celebrating birthdays less than anyone else, with almost three quarters of January babies (74%) admitting to not celebrating at all, thanks to the festive season slump.

The research found that, of those born in January,  almost two thirds (63%) agreed that the first month of the year is the worst time to have a birthday, with over half (53%) opting to spend their birthdays indoors and over a third (43%) stating that the day is often forgotten by friends and family altogether.

However, as a brand known for celebrating all life’s milestones, Milano is seeking to put celebrations back on the menu this January, with 50% off pizza for customers who dine in from today, helping out with the post–Christmas purse strings, as “having no money” was cited as the main culprit for skipping celebrations, for over a third (38%) of those polled.

And when it comes to those born in January, it seems they aren’t simply feeling sorry for themselves, as the research found that almost half (46%) of those born between February and December admitted that they’ve previously forgotten a birthday present for someone born in January, with over half (61%) having cancelled last–minute on a friend’s January birthday party.

But it’s not just birthdays that go missed as December gives way to a new year, with the collective Christmas hangover accountable for over half (53%) of Irish adults putting all celebrations on hold, no matter the occasion, simply because its January – with many saying goodbye to new job celebrations (24%), date nights (25%), promotions (24%) and even wedding anniversaries (15%).

With 91% of those polled agreeing that seeing friends and family would help alleviate the ‘January blues’, Milano is seeking to bring people back together to celebrate life’s big and small occasions, regardless of the month. Its ‘VIP’ (that’s Very Impressive Prices) discount is offering restaurant diners 50% off Monday – Sunday from 8th – 25th January.

And going one step further this January, for those who may have fallen victim to the post–festive slump (or forgotten a loved one’s birthday) in the past, Milano has thirty–one free celebratory meals up for grabs via its Instagram – so you can get in from the cold, and celebrate with the Milano new winter menu, featuring a deliciously warming new Formaggi and Pancetta Penne.

For more information, including T&Cs please head to https://www.milano.ie/terms-and-conditions/january-offer. Please note that Duo Romana pizzas, Pasta and Salad dishes are not included in this offer.