Recent statistics indicate a notable drop in December births in Norway over the last six years when compared to other months. Experts point to changing societal norms and practical considerations as driving factors behind this trend. Parents seem to prioritize planning their children's births around later kindergarten admissions and the increased expectation of school readiness, which disproportionately affects December births, making more parents reluctant to conceive during this month.

The trend is particularly pronounced in urban areas like Oslo and Akershus, but it has also been observed in rural regions such as Innlandet. For instance, Mari Brugrand Hauge, a resident of Otta, shared her experience of giving birth to her daughter Vilde in December, highlighting that this timing was not planned. Such anecdotal experiences illustrate the complexities parents face in aligning childbirth with their children's developmental and educational transitions, emphasizing a broader societal shift regarding the timing of family planning.

The political discourse surrounding this issue indicates a potential reform in policies to support December-born children. Proposals are on the table to adjust the rules governing kindergarten admissions to mitigate the disadvantage faced by these children, thereby acknowledging the need for more inclusive and flexible planning in family and educational policies. This ongoing debate underscores a larger conversation about child development, educational policy, and family dynamics in contemporary Norwegian society.