The SPAN Youth Hub

Happy Holidays! As we wrap up 2024 and look ahead to 2025, let’s take a moment to explore how Christmas is celebrated in different countries. From Spain to Hong Kong to Australia, each culture has its own special ways to mark the holiday with traditions, food, games, and more! Christmas Around the World The website  “Christmas Around the World”  on  WhyChristmas.com  shares details about how over 90 countries celebrate this festive season. Here are a few examples: United States:  Christmas traditions often include decorating trees, exchanging gifts, and enjoying festive meals. United Kingdom:  Celebrations feature traditions like wassailing, Boxing Day, and delicious meals with roast turkey and Christmas pudding. India:  Although Christians make up about 2.3% of the population, Christmas is celebrated with customs that blend with India’s cultural diversity. Jamaica:  The holiday is filled with vibrant traditions and unique festive foods, reflectin...

The holiday season is full of joy, but let’s be honest—it can also feel overwhelming with packed schedules and high expectations. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but keeping things simple and focusing on what truly matters can make all the difference. 4 Mindful Tips to De-Stress This Holiday Season Here are some practical tips to de-stress this holiday season: Let Go of Perfection  – Embrace the messy moments. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present. Focus on What Matters  – Prioritize what’s meaningful to you, whether that’s quality time with loved ones or a personal tradition. Be Kind (Even When It’s Hard)  – A little kindness goes a long way, especially during tense moments. It can shift your mindset and spread positivity. Set Realistic Goals  – Instead of overwhelming yourself with lofty New Year’s resolutions, aim for small, achievable wins that bring balance to your life. These tips are inspired by the Johns Hopkins Medicine article,...

Living with chronic pain or fatigue can make everyday life harder, but it doesn’t have to define you. Chronic pain means feeling uncomfortable for more than three months, while chronic fatigue makes you feel tired all the time, even after resting. These challenges can be tough, but many people with chronic pain or fatigue stay strong and live happy, full lives by being determined and resilient. Understanding Chronic Pain Taking care of yourself, asking for support, and trying activities like relaxation, light exercise, and therapy can help improve how you feel. Everyone’s experience is different, but small steps can make a big difference. The YouTube video "Understanding Pain in Less Than 5 Minutes, And What to Do About It!" explains how pain works, especially chronic pain. It shows how pain is influenced by a mix of body, mind, and social factors and offers simple tips to help manage it.  Watch here:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_3phB93rvI&t=57s The Chronic Pain...

Misunderstandings about disabilities can be frustrating, but sharing personal stories and advice can help others see the truth. People with disabilities often face wrong ideas about what they can do or what their lives are like. By sharing our experiences, we can help others look past the stereotypes and see each person’s unique strengths.