Wreath of Control - An Anxiety Resource for Teens at Christmas

Christmas can be a challenging time for teens dealing with anxiety or navigating a difficult holiday season. The Wreath of Control is a supportive, reflective resource designed to help your children and teens identify what they can and cannot control, empowering them to feel more grounded and less overwhelmed. Ideal for anxiety disorders, stress management, those who have experienced trauma or anyone needing a moment of calm during the festive season.

About This Resource

The Wreath of Control encourages young people to explore and differentiate between the things in their life they have control over and the things they don’t. By visually organising these concepts on a holiday-themed wreath, this activity helps teens refocus their energy on what they can manage while gently letting go of what they cannot.

This activity provides a safe and creative outlet to process emotions and promotes mindfulness, making it an excellent addition to classrooms, therapy sessions, or even family discussions.

Features

• Themed Wreath Design: Festive Christmas wreath with dedicated spaces for “Things I Can Control” and “Things I Can’t Control.”
• Printable Format: Fully printable, easy-to-use resource for individual or group settings.
• Reflective Activity: Encourages thoughtful self-expression and emotional regulation.
• Guidance Prompts: Includes prompts to help teens brainstorm ideas and start the activity.

Benefits

• Empowers Teens: Helps teens focus on actionable steps and let go of unmanageable worries.
• Improves Emotional Awareness: Strengthens emotional literacy by exploring and categorising thoughts.
• Reduces Anxiety: Provides a structured, calming way to cope with overwhelming feelings.
• Builds Resilience: Encourages a growth mindset and the ability to adapt to challenges.
• Seasonal Fun: Combines meaningful emotional work with a festive, engaging theme.

How to Use

1. Print the Wreath: Distribute one wreath to each teen.
2. Explain the Concept: Discuss the difference between things they can control (e.g., their attitude, actions) and things they cannot (e.g., other people’s behaviour, weather).
3. Complete the Wreath: Write “Things I Can Control” in the center and “Things I Can’t Control” around the wreath.
4. Decorate: Teens can colour and decorate their wreath to personalise their work.

Ideas for Use

• Therapists & Counsellors: Use as a reflective tool in sessions to discuss control and anxiety.
• Educators: Incorporate into mental health lessons or one-to-one support for students with additional needs.
• Families: A meaningful family activity to start conversations around stress and coping during the holidays.
• Peer Groups: Create a group discussion around shared experiences and strategies for managing control.

Summary

The Wreath of Control is a unique, Christmas-themed resource that empowers children and teens to navigate anxiety, stress, and difficult emotions. By helping teens identify what they can and cannot control, this activity provides clarity, calm, and actionable steps to manage their feelings. Whether used at home, school, or therapy, the Wreath of Control is a festive way to support mental well-being this Christmas.

Download the Wreath of Control today and help teens feel calmer, more confident, and in control this holiday season!