At Wellbeing Therapy Solutions, we know that this time of year can bring a mix of emotions.
For some, December is a time of connection, reflection and celebration; for others it can feel overwhelming, pressured, or lonely. Whatever it means for you, we want you to know that support is available.
That’s why we created our 12 Days of Advent across social media this year; a collection of small “gifts”: resources, gentle reminders, and supportive messages to help guide you through the season.
Here’s a round-up of everything we shared, all in one place.
🎁 Day 1 — A Helpful Parenting Podcast: Help Your Kids!
If you’re a parent or carer looking for guidance around topics like anxiety, grief, big feelings or social media, we recommend the Help Your Kids! podcast by Shelley Smith and Dr Mish Seabrook at Sunrise Wellbeing.
🎧 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HelpYourKids
🎁 Day 2 — Support Services Available During December
Support doesn’t close for the holidays. If you or someone you know needs help, these organisations continue to be available:
- NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/
- Papyrus (suicide prevention): https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
- Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/
- Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/
- Shout (text support): https://giveusashout.org/
- CALM: https://www.thecalmzone.net/
- Young Minds: https://www.youngminds.org.uk
Please reach out if you need to.
🎁 Day 3 — The Pause Project: Mindfulness Support Group
Our Leicester-based mindfulness group, facilitated by Kate & Daisy, offers a warm space to pause and reconnect.
The 17th December session focuses on “The Power of Calm in the Chaos.”
Book future sessions via Eventbrite
🎁 Day 4 — Action for Happiness: Do Good December
Action for Happiness promotes practical, everyday steps to support wellbeing and connection.
🌟 Explore the December calendar: https://actionforhappiness.org/calendar
🌟 Visit the website: https://actionforhappiness.org/
🎁 Day 5 — Discovering the Hub of Hope
A brilliant directory of local, national and NHS mental health support.
Search for services near you: https://hubofhope.co.uk/
🎁 Day 6 — Spotlight on Stepping Stones Support Group
Hosted by the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation in Markfield, Stepping Stones offers a nurturing space for anyone experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Surrounded by nature, the group provides grounding support in a peaceful setting.
🎁 Day 7 — A Reminder to Reach Out
Many people find this time of year challenging. A simple gesture — a message, a photo, a phone call, a coffee — can help someone feel less alone.
You never know the difference your kindness may make.
🎁 Day 8 — Make Time for Self-Care
December can feel busy and demanding. This is your reminder that you are allowed to rest.
Self-care might mean:
✨ Listening to a podcast you’ve been saving
✨ Ordering your favourite meal
✨ Putting on cosy clothes and resting on the sofa
Small acts count.
🎁 Day 9 — It’s OK Not to Enjoy the Festive Season
Not everyone feels joyful at this time of year, and that’s completely understandable. You’re allowed to create your own version of the season — in ways that feel comfortable, grounding, or meaningful for you.
🎁 Day 10 — Practising Gratitude
It can be easy to compare ourselves to others in December. Gently pausing to notice what we are grateful for can help shift the internal pressure.
That might be:
- Clean water
- A supportive friend
- A moment of laughter
- The ability to go for a walk
- A comforting photo or memory
Your gratitude list can be small and simple.
🎁 Day 11 — Mindfulness Moment: Box Breathing
“Just breathe” isn’t always helpful unless we know how.
Box Breathing offers a structured way to calm the body:
- Inhale for a count
- Hold for a count
- Exhale for a count
- Hold for a count
You can adjust the timing to whatever feels comfortable for you. It is a gentle, grounding way to recentre.
🎁 Day 12 — The Final Gift: Be Kind (To Yourself and Others)
We often cannot see what someone is going through. A small act of kindness can make a significant difference.
And remember — you deserve kindness too.
Speak gently to yourself. Remind yourself that you are doing your best.
💛 Bringing It All Together
We hope you’ve enjoyed our 12 Days of Advent and found something that offered support, comfort, or reflection.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out — whether to one of the services above, a trusted person, or to us at Wellbeing Therapy Solutions.
You are not alone.
Wishing you steadiness, warmth, and moments of peace as we move through December.
