How Christian parents can help young people navigate Christmas stress

Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy, but for many young people it brings added stresses - Rachael Newham analyses the problem and suggests some ways Christian parents can respond

The further into adulthood you get, the more familiar you become with the pressures that surround the festive period. From the present buying, to the decorations, not to mention navigating the family logistics.

But I wonder if we consider enough how pressurising it is for our young people? They may not have the same to-do lists, but in a world where an Insta-worthy life is expected, is it any wonder that young people are feeling the strain?

What does the research say?

A recent survey by the Children’s Society found that over half of young people between 13 and 16 surveyed felt like Christmas was “too much”.

The three main concerns were:

1. the pressure for perfection driven by social media
2. the load of school work and
3. family dynamics

all complicated by feeling as though they need to ‘look happy’ through it all.

Ultimately, these pressures aren’t so different from our own, and I think it’s vital for our young people that we ……