I have been seeing some of these statements on the social streets:

“Before you send that email, ask yourself; is this a December problem or a January problem?”

“I have mentally closed for the year, it is just my body you people are seeing”

“After Christmas, you won’t see me again, I will just disappear”

After seeing and hearing tons and tons of people talk like this I decided to go check it out. And yes, it is an actual thing!

One article called it the ‘Great December Hibernation’. It's not just about the holiday season; it's a mental shift, a collective closing for the year. Consider all these factors

• Friends and family are coming to town: Which means life outside work is getting busier
• Economic stress: With prices hiked and a thousand things to buy, financial stress is enough to make anyone tired
• Social volume is loud: Concerts, churches, vacations, parties, there is no place to hide for anybody. Some people also need to catch both flights and feelings.
• Emotional stress: If it’s been A LOT since January, the mind just whispers *unwind* every single day. Some want to move on quickly, some need to reflect. 
• The Weather: Whether it’s harmattan or snow, the last days come with chilly bed-and-blanket weather, and for most people… flu 🥲

So what does this mean?

You or crucial people on your team may be mentally closing for the year. And you only have 2 options.

Fight it, or embrace it.

If you choose to embrace it, good for you, take the rest.

If you choose to fight it, I get it (I personally am in this bucket). There’s work to be done, and projects to complete. Very valid.

People like this will say “We can’t all shut down crucial work in December”

I, however, would like to propose balance (especially if you’re leading a team)

🎄 Acknowledge the hibernation:

Don't beat yourself or anyone up for feeling less energetic or focused. It’s a good time to check if y’all are still on the same page as regards energy and output levels.

🎄 Focus on low-hanging fruits

Prioritize quick wins, relationship building with partners, and tasks that require less energy. Save the heavy lifting for the new year.

🎄 Do Holiday-like stuff together

Do cool stuff for your team (quality hangouts, gifts for teammates, awards or recognitions, year reflections, etc). This helps with the culture a lot which is crucial for brand-love among the people you work with.

🎄 Plan for the Rebound

Prepare your team for the post-hibernation surge. Ensure everyone is on the same page about priorities and goals for the new year.

So, as the festivities set in, remember: you aren’t losing your mojo, your users aren't disappearing, even bears go to sleep in winter, and when they wake up eventually, they're ready for a new adventure.

What are your thoughts on the December slump? Are you or those in your circle experiencing this? How do you deal with this, fight or embrace? Share your insights in the comments below!

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Joke Shalom Akintara

Growth Product Manager | Curator of "Growth Notes"