Whether you love the holidays or dread them, there’s no question that they can be hectic. While you’re hanging in there until winter break, try these five ways to keep your calm as a teacher.

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Maintain your classroom routine as possible. I know it’s hard between holiday assemblies and indoor recess, but try to stick with the norms you established earlier in the year. It can be tempting to throw on a movie, but keep in mind most students actually do better with a routine, even if they grumble about it.
Don’t feel like you have to make everything themed. Instagram and Pinterest might make it seem like everything’s coming up reindeer and santa hats, but you really don’t have to theme out your centers or read alouds all holiday season long. Keep in mind too that celebrating Christmas, even if it’s just vaguely Christmas (like a Christmas tree), but no other religious holidays, really sends the wrong message to students, especially at a public school.
Chill out with the gifts. I personally love giving little gifts to students, but don’t feel obligated. If you decide to gift your students something before winter break, only gift what you can afford, in terms of both money + energy! One year I made my students golden snitch ornaments out of styrofoam balls, but making ornaments for 30 kids rather than the 10 kids I had in my resource room is a very different proposition. Inexpensive books are a great option, or you can just give out printable cards.
Say no. You do not have to run the holiday assembly, organize secret santa, and throw the holiday staff party. If your school has a lot of these types of activities, try picking one to help out with, and then say no to the rest.
Practice self care. You need self care the most when you have the least time for it! Now is not the time to slack on your self care routine. Need ideas? Check out my book, The Teacher’s Guide to Self-Care, and Teacher Care Crate, the self-care subscription box for teachers!
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