Start to the Holiday Season with School

Happy December, families!

Every year when December rolls in, I notice the shift before anyone even says a word. Whether I’m teaching, tutoring, or meeting with a student during a counseling check-in, there’s a familiar look that shows up. It’s a mix of tiredness, pressure, excitement, and overwhelm all blended together. And I see it in students of all ages.

And the truth is: they really are trying.December asks a lot of our kids.

At home, you may be putting up Christmas lights, preparing for Hanukkah, getting ready for Kwanzaa, moving through Advent, celebrating Las Posadas, honoring Bodhi Day or Pancha Ganapati, or simply carrying the warmth of Diwali into the month. Families celebrate in so many different ways, and those traditions bring joy and connection. But school doesn’t slow down for any of it.

This is also the time when final exams approach, teachers wrap up units, grades get locked in, and missing work becomes urgent. Whether your child is in elementary school, middle school, high school, or anywhere in between, December shows up quickly and with a lot of expectations.

As someone who works with students academically and emotionally, I see firsthand how this time of year affects them. Even students who seem confident and steady can lose their footing a bit during December.

Here are some things I’ve learned that truly help.

1. Sit With Them and Look at Grades Together

Students often avoid checking grades when they feel overwhelmed. It doesn’t matter if they’re 8 or 18! When they’re stressed, they’d rather not look. Sitting beside them changes everything. It sends the message that you’re in this with them. A short, calm weekly check-in can keep things from snowballing.

2. Talk to Teachers Early in December

This one makes a bigger impact than many families realize. When you reach out now, before the pace picks up, teachers can give clear guidance about what your student needs for the rest of the semester.

Ask questions such as:

• What should my child focus on right now?

• Are there any missing assignments they can still complete?

• How can we support them at home?

• What should we expect for finals or end-of-unit tests?

Teachers appreciate proactive communication, and you’ll know exactly where your student stands.

3. Help Them Start With One Simple Task

Students who are behind often freeze because they don’t know where to begin. Choosing one assignment they can finish quickly helps them regain a sense of control. That one small success can shift their mindset for the rest of the evening.

4. Use Holiday Moments as Gentle Learning Opportunities

December naturally offers ways to keep kids learning without adding more pressure:

• Baking uses fractions and measurement

• Shopping builds budgeting and comparison skills

• Reading recipes improves comprehension

• Talking about family traditions builds background knowledge that strengthens reading and social studies

These moments feel natural and warm, not like extra homework.

5. Give Your Student a Role That Matters

Students appreciate feeling needed. When school feels stressful, having a meaningful job at home can help them feel grounded again.

This might be:

• choosing a recipe

• planning a small family activity

• helping decorate

• organizing items for a holiday event

Feeling capable at home often carries over into how they approach schoolwork.

6. Keep Study Time Short and Structured

Especially before finals, shorter study periods are more effective than long stretches. Try 20–25 minutes of focused work followed by a short break. This approach is helpful for students with ADHD, anxiety, executive functioning challenges, or anyone who feels overwhelmed by big tasks.

7. Notice the Signs of Stress

Students don’t usually announce that they’re overwhelmed. Instead, they might:

• avoid homework

• shut down

• get irritable

• refuse to check grades

• say “I don’t care,” when they actually do

These behaviors are signals, not defiance. They’re asking for support in the only way they know how.

How I Can Support Your Family This Month

December is one of the busiest tutoring months because students of all ages feel the pressure of finishing the semester strong. With my background as a teacher, counselor, and tutor, I understand how to support both the academic and emotional needs that show up this time of year.

I’ve opened extra tutoring spots this month to help students:

• prepare for final exams

• complete missing assignments

• organize their workload

• rebuild confidence

• finish the semester on steadier ground

If your student needs structure, guidance, or someone who understands exactly what December feels like for them, I’m here for your family. Best wishes until the winter break!