Last month, rather than presenting at a conference and having a booth, I decided to be a participant instead. It brought me so much joy to just simply be there without any additional responsibilities. Don’t get me wrong, I love presenting and connecting with people at conferences. But we all need to press pause sometimes.
As we head into the holiday season when our students are one foot out the door, let us find joy in our everyday life, in and out and of the classroom. I’d love to hear what you try out or if you have other suggestions on how to create joy during the holiday season!
Create Connections
Teaching during the holidays can be overwhelming. December can feel like a marathon with no finish line, especially for educators. It’s important to remember that the season isn’t about how much you accomplish; it’s about the connections you make.
PRO TIP: Let go of the pressure to have it all figured out and just be present, for yourself, your family, students and colleagues.
Celebrate Diversity
Our classrooms are full of diverse cultures and traditions and the holidays are a fun time to celebrate your students’ unique traditions and learn more about one another. Ask your students to share their favorite family traditions or holiday foods. By honoring their stories, you create a space where everyone feels valued and joyful.
PRO TIP: When celebrating your students’ traditions, create a safe and inclusive space where everyone feels comfortable sharing. Encourage curiosity and respect for different cultures. Need help figuring out how to do that? Reach out and let’s chat.
Pause
The holiday season can feel like a whirlwind. To-do lists, celebrations and – what often feels like – endless responsibilities. Find a moment every day to pause. Take a deep breath and feel your body settle into a calmer state. This is a small but powerful way to center yourself. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so filling your own with a little peace helps you share joy with others.
PRO TIP: Set an alarm as a reminder, to ensure you take this time. Then… Pause. Breathe. Reflect on what is going well in this moment. Take 5 minutes for YOU today.
Protect Your Peace
Holiday burnout is real! Between planning lessons, grading papers, and managing kids who are one foot out the door, it’s easy for educators to feel stretched too thin. Protecting your peace is an act of love and kindness… both for yourself and those around you.
PRO TIP: Give yourself permission to decline activities that don’t bring joy… your well-being matters too.
Let Go of Perfection
Instead of bending over backwards to create the perfect holiday season, let’s create meaningful ones.
Perfection is exhausting, but meaning is fulfilling. Shift your focus this season to what truly matters—spending time with loved ones, creating memories, and showing up as your authentic self. When you prioritize meaning over perfection, the holidays become a little brighter.
PRO TIP: In the classroom, focus on creating meaningful moments with your students, rather than stressing over perfect decorations or events.
Make Intentional Choices
The holidays can feel like just another chore, another task on your never ending to-do list if you’re not intentional about creating joy. Find one thing that excites you—decorating your classroom, watching a holiday movie, or even baking cookies. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to make you smile.
PRO TIP: Let’s bring the fun back to the holidays. Make it a daily habit to do something that brings you back to the joy of teaching and the magic of the holiday season!
Practice Presence
The holidays are about connection, and just being present with your students and loved ones is often times the greatest gift you can give. Don’t underestimate the impact of your presence, it’s what makes the season truly special. Your genuine spirit will create a space where your students feel seen and valued, making the holidays brighter for everyone.
PRO TIP: How to be more present? >> Focus on the moment at hand, actively listen, and give your full attention to those around you, leaving distractions behind.
Rest
Give yourself the gift of rest this season! Your to-do list may never end, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take time off. Use your weekends – and the time off between holidays – to fully disconnect from work and focus on YOU. Whether it’s binge-watching your favorite show, enjoying a long nap, or diving into a good book, rest is the recharge you truly deserve. When you step back in to the classroom after the holiday vacation, you’ll be refreshed and ready to take on the new year!
PRO TIP: Rest isn’t laziness or irresponsibility—it’s a vital part of self-care, both in and out of the classroom.
If you’re struggling to balance time off with your work commitments, I’m here to help. Book a complimentary call today, and let’s figure out together how you can create more balance in your life—so you can truly rest and recharge when you need it most.
Set Boundaries
The pressure to be everything for everyone can weigh heavily this time of year. Remember that your kindness, presence, and care are more than enough to create magic during this month. Let yourself off the hook and enjoy the season without overextending.
PRO TIP: You don’t need to do it all to make the season joyful.
