As December arrives, it’s easy to assume this is a joyful, exciting month — but for many young people, it can be one of the most emotionally demanding times of the year.
Routines begin to shift.
Expectations increase.
Social pressures build.
And the countdown to the end of term can feel overwhelming rather than comforting.
This time of year can amplify:
💛 Sensory overload
💛 Anxiety around change
💛 Difficulties accessing school
💛 Fatigue from masking
💛 Worries about the year ahead
💛 The general pressure to “feel festive”
So this week, it’s worth holding onto a few gentle reminders:
🌿 Lower demands
🌿 Increase emotional safety and predictability
🌿 Offer choices and flexibility
🌿 Slow the overall pace
🌿 Listen more, assume less
December calls for kindness and spaciousness.
For understanding.
For meeting young people exactly where they are, without expectation or comparison.
To everyone supporting or caring for young people — thank you for noticing the small signs, honouring their feelings, and helping make this month feel lighter and more manageable.
Compassion goes further than we realise