As a Scout Leader, I spend countless hours throughout the year planning meetings, organizing camps, mentoring young people, and building our scouting community. It’s rewarding, meaningful work that fills my calendar and my heart. But Christmas time is a different period. My last Scout meeting of the year is always the week when schools break up, and from that point until the new year, I intentionally step back from scouting to focus on family and friends….and this will probably be my last blog post of 2025!

The Importance of Stepping Away

Taking time off from Scouting isn’t just good practice—it’s essential. Our Scouts need to see that even the most dedicated Scout Leaders prioritize personal connections and rest. By closing our troop calendars on the run up to Christmas , we model healthy boundaries and show that it’s okay to pause, even from things we love. Family time, quiet reflection, and personal celebration are just as important as any badge or campout.

For many Scout Leaders, Christmas Eve means gathering around the table with loved ones, attending Church services, or carrying on cherished Family traditions. It’s a chance to be present with the people who support us throughout our year of service.

When Home Feels Different

But what about Scout Leaders who don’t have family nearby? Or those whose friend circles have drifted? What about Scout Leaders who are estranged from relatives, who’ve lost loved ones, or who simply find themselves alone during Christmas?

The truth is, stepping back from Scouting can feel very different when there’s no bustling family gathering waiting for you. The silence that feels peaceful to some can feel isolating to others. For these Scout Leaders, Christmas might not be about grand celebrations—it might be about finding peace in solitude, creating personal rituals, or connecting with community in different ways.

Finding Your Own Way

If you’re a Scout Leader facing Christmas alone, know that you’re not alone in that experience. Here are some thoughts:

Your feelings are valid. Whether you feel peaceful, lonely, relieved, or sad—all of it is okay. There’s no “right” way to experience Christmas.

Rest is still important. Even without traditional celebrations, taking time off from Scouting responsibilities gives you space to recharge in whatever way works for you—whether that’s reading a book, taking a long walk, watching favourite films, or simply resting.

Connection looks different for everyone. Some people find community at church services or community dinners. Others connect with friends through phone or video calls. Some prefer the company of a good book or volunteering at a Homeless Shelter/Soup Kitchens. There’s no single template for a meaningful Christmas.

You matter beyond your role. Your worth isn’t measured by how many people you spend Christmas Day with. You’ve given so much to your Scouts throughout the year—you deserve kindness and rest regardless of your circumstances.

The Bigger Picture

During the Christmas Period, let’s remember that stepping back from Scouting serves everyone differently. For some, it’s about family traditions. For others, it’s about personal reflection. For some, it might be about finding new ways to connect with community.

What matters is that we all take that time—whatever it looks like for each of us. We honour the season, we honour ourselves, and we model for our Scouts that taking care of ourselves in whatever form that takes is part of being a good Scout Leader.

To all Scout Leaders reading this: however you spend your Christmas, may it bring you peace. And may you know that the scouting community—even when not meeting—holds space for all of us, in all our different circumstances.

Merry Christmas to every Scout Leader,

wherever you are and however you celebrate.

Mark- Big Man in the Woods