Something about Christmas Time

And no, I am not talking about Bryan Adams. Though, I will say, as I’ve gotten older, that jam gets better and better around the holidays. What I am referring to, is the ever-so-needed, can’t come soon enough, not get anything done, and too close to start something new, holiday break that ALL educators look forward to. Yes, about three weeks after Thanksgiving break, there is this magical 10 to 12 (and even sometimes longer!) absence of attending school where, for the first and maybe only time all school year, students and staff alike cannot wait to get to. As I currently write this, I am merely an hour away from mine! So, what better time to reflect on this, along with my other decades of breaks, to throw a little extra joy, and perhaps thought, into your life.

If you’re just tuning into my thoughts (and heaven forbid if this is your first time reading my junk), you’ll soon realize that A.) this was a good read to disconnect me from my life, B.) this was a waste of my time that I’ll never get back, or C.) I wish I knew who this author was so that I can offer him some professional help. However, it could also be that elusive “D.” answer as well; all of the above. Regardless, this is my Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, upcoming-Orthodox Christmas and I will cry if I want to…cry if I want to. JK, I am just wasting time here before one of the most joyous breaks of the school year.

Teachers Are Just Big Kids

It’s funny; the second the new school year calendar comes out, teachers automatically see when school begins/ends and then immediately look at how long the holiday break is this year. It never fails. We educators are just as bad as our students. Why is that? Is it the kid in us still? What pushes us towards this December break, just to have another 5-6 months afterwards of little to no major breaks? Again, this looks different in all districts, but I think we can all relate for the most part.

It's this time of the year when you also get some crucial feedback from your students. If you have made some sort of impact on your students, a card or small gift is usually given…sidebar here: this sometimes is at the discretion of those students’ parents as well, so take it for what it’s worth. You also have the group of students who would like to throw a party in your room and watch holiday movies. This is probably most common with all teachers…As I just get interrupted by two students who were looking to kill some time out of class 10 minutes before their dismissal. But, this is where you know you’ve made an impact. Those students could have easily stayed in their own class, entered another teacher’s room, but they chose my room. So we quickly chatted about their day, their courses, and their break, but it’s those things that are important to me as a teacher. Knowing that students would like to come to my room, my space, because it is welcoming, is something you find out when guards are down and teachers and students alike are ready to separate themselves from the building for a few days.

And Yet...I'm Also in No Rush

These days always come with a little bit of sadness though. I often think about the students whose home lives are not filled with holiday cheer, care, support, or even warmth. These students dread any breaks, because school, and maybe even your classroom, are the most comfortable and safest places to them. What can we do for those students? If you want my answer, it’s pretty simple; give them joy, care, and all of the treats they can eat in the most stress-free environment available. I am not suggesting you go out and spend hundreds of dollars for each child you have. You’ve most likely spent a lot of your own money throughout your year and career in making your classroom, and yourself, the most suitable for teaching. What I am suggesting is that you simply put on a movie, plan a game, get some small treats (aka candy canes, cupcakes, or even store-bought sugar cookies that I would hope not put your over your budget, but if it does, go and speak to the cafeteria staff to see how they can help). Any small gesture to have your students focus on some fun throughout their last day or two before break will be monumental in easing whatever any student may face once they cannot come back to school for several days. Be purposeful with your planning, allow students to have a say, and be one of the jolliest assholes this side of the nuthouse. It’s always worth it.

Plug in the Lights, and Unplug Yourself

Lastly, when you leave school for break, please LEAVE SCHOOL FOR BREAK. You will soon have another 5-6 months to stay engaged with your curriculum, assessment, and all of the other extracurriculars that go along with your job, so do what you can to leave all of that out of your mind the second you walk out of your building. Wait, wait, wait. Before you go numb here, do go to your colleagues' classrooms and hallway neighbors and also wish them a wonderful break. Yes, even those you can’t stand the sight of you old Grinch you. If you must get some work completed, leave it for a day or two after Christmas. This will at least give you 4-5 days to really disconnect, surround yourself with family and friends, and catch up with whatever it was you’ve been putting off for the last 4 months (probably not actually for that last one, but at least you’ll have the intention to). Once those days are over, feel free to begin to warm things back up, slowly please, and find some pockets of time for yourself and anything you can baby-step into so that you feel ready for the new year. Happy Holidays!

Do you have a story to tell? Tell it!...or at least let me tell it. Reach out to any one of my platforms to expose your experience(s), your truth, as both a human and an educator. I would love to hear from you!