A spoonie’s guide to understanding why this month feels like a boss battle
December arrives every year like it’s auditioning for a “Most Dramatic Month” award. Lights! Deadlines! Events! Family! Weather that makes my joints feel like they were installed backwards! I swear this month shows up wearing a sequined gown and holding a megaphone screaming, “SURPRISE, IT’S ME! LET’S CHAOS.”
And listen… I’m doing my best.
But my brain?
My brain is over in the corner rubbing two neurons together trying to make a spark like a Boy Scout with wet matches.
And that’s the thing: December is uniquely designed to absolutely obliterate neurodivergent and chronically ill people.
Let me explain — with actual science.
(But don’t worry, it’s me. I’ll keep it spicy.)
1. December is basically sensory overload in a trench coat.
Think about it: blinking lights, crowds, loud music, bells, scents, glitter everywhere like it escaped a containment lab… it’s a full assault on the senses.
For ADHD and autistic brains, the sensory load of ONE Target trip in December is equivalent to running a psychological marathon while someone throws cinnamon pinecones at your face.
When you see people calmly strolling through a decorated mall, please understand they are operating at a level of sensory privilege I can only dream of.
2. Our executive function gets hit with a holiday piñata stick.
Executive function — the part of the brain responsible for planning, organizing, remembering, transitioning, and not screaming into the void — already runs on 2% battery for a lot of us.
Then December rolls in and demands:
- Coordination
- Decision-making
- Gift lists
- Cooking
- Routines changing
- Socializing
- Budgeting
- TIME MANAGEMENT (okay calm down, this is a safe space)
It’s too much.
Neuroscience basically says: if your brain already struggles with dopamine, working memory, or task sequencing, December is like trying to juggle flaming swords with oven mitts on.
3. Chronic illness + cold weather = my body filing hostile complaints with HR.
Fibromyalgia loves the cold the way cats love knocking stuff off counters: it finds an opportunity and goes for it.
Scientific fun fact: colder temperatures can increase muscle tension and pain sensitivity, and reduced sunlight messes with serotonin levels, which can intensify fatigue and mood dips.
Scientific non-fun fact: my body reacts to December like someone unplugged it mid-update.
4. The holidays trigger “performance mode” whether we want it or not.
If you grew up in chaos, survived medical trauma, or just exist as a human with trauma baggage (hi, welcome, there are snacks), your nervous system may automatically shift into high-alert this time of year.
The brain hates unpredictability.
December is 90% unpredictability.
So your amygdala goes, “Heyyyy remember when things went bad before? Let’s be ready. Just in case.”
Which is cute.
Except it’s not.
Because suddenly everything feels urgent.
5. And then there’s the emotional landmines.
Family stuff. Estrangement. Loss. Loneliness. Pressure to be joyful on command.
This season brings things to the surface like the ghosts of holidays past showed up for a group project.
So if you’re exhausted?
Forgetful?
Behind on everything?
Crying at commercials about soup?
Shoving wrapping paper under the bed and pretending it’s not your problem?
Yeah. Same.
You’re not broken — you’re overloaded.
So what do we DO about it?
(You know… besides giving up and becoming a winter hermit.)
1. Drop the “holiday expectations” bar until it’s at ankle height.
You’re allowed to celebrate at your energy level, not Hallmark’s.
2. Use “do it the lazy way” as your December mantra.
If there’s an easier version of something? Do that.
Frozen food? Yes.
Gift bags instead of wrapping? Absolutely.
Paper plates? You’re doing amazing.
3. Build in tiny pockets of sensory calm.
Dark room + blanket + phone on silent = a spiritual experience.
4. If your brain is spiraling, label it.
“My nervous system is overwhelmed. This isn’t a failure; it’s a signal.”
Boom. Power move.
5. Accept that December brain is a special, limited-edition seasonal disorder.
It’s not you.
It’s the month.
And here’s the part I want you to hear the loudest:
You do not owe December a performance.
You don’t owe tradition your body.
You don’t owe the holiday season a curated, Pinterest-perfect experience.
You owe your life — your REAL life — kindness, rest, and honesty.
If you make it through the month fed, semi-warm, and not buried under gift wrap, congratulations: you won December.
Even if your brain thinks it’s running from a tiger. Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other!
WannaBeNormal 