Anxiety is linked primarily to the economy, but loneliness also erodes Christmas cheer.
"Families who previously managed on their own are now seeking help," says Anne Bergh, Secretary General of the Norwegian Red Cross.
According to the organization, there are around 31,000 children and young people in Norway who need economic support in the form of food baskets, Christmas gifts, and free Christmas activities.
"Economic anxiety combined with loneliness is a bad start to Christmas. We urge everyone to show friends, neighbors, and acquaintances a little extra attention before Christmas, so that as many as possible can have a slightly better Christmas than they fear," says Anne Bergh.
