This time of year, we talk a lot about kindness, generosity, and looking out for one another. But some of the most important acts of kindness aren’t wrapped in ribbons. They’re quiet moments of understanding.
Many people live with neurodivergence — ADHD, autism, or both. And sometimes, especially during busy seasons, that can mean burnout. It doesn’t always look dramatic. Often, it shows up quietly:
- sleep shifting later
- focus slipping
- tasks that once felt simple suddenly feeling heavy
- senses turning up to “maximum volume”
- the mind saying “go” while the body whispers “not yet”
- everything feeling just a little out of sync
And here’s the remarkable thing: Scouts already know how to respond.
The Scout Law teaches us to be friendly, helpful, kind — to welcome others as they are, not as we expect them to be. In every troop and pack, there are Scouts who thrive in different ways, who think differently, who notice things others miss. Neurodivergent Scouts and Scouters bring creativity, loyalty, humor, problem-solving, and heart.
This season, let’s remember that one of the greatest gifts we can give is acceptance. Sometimes the person beside us is still showing up — even if they’re tired, overwhelmed, or running on a different rhythm.
A Scout includes everyone at the fire.
A Scout listens without judging.
A Scout says, “You belong here,” even on someone’s wobbly days.
And that spirit — compassion wrapped in courage and kindness — may be the most Scout-like holiday tradition of all.
Merry Christmas, and may your troop, your family, and your community all shine with the warmth of understanding this season.