Surviving the run-up to the Christmas holidays

The run-up to Christmas can be an exhausting time, add in the tough year we’ve all been through and you’ll be forgiven for wanting to head home and hibernate until the new year. However, there are ways to make those final couple of weeks before Christmas just a little bit easier:

Make a plan for your Christmas

Take some time to make a plan for the weeks running up to Christmas day. Use this time to determine what really needs to be done, to include the things you actually want to do, and don’t try to fit everything into that relatively short break you have over Christmas. You need to schedule yourself some free time too, this may feel like a luxury but you’ll be grateful of it when it arrives.

Focus on your health

It’s been a hectic year and, Covid aside, the germs are beginning to fly as you approach the end of term and Christmas. Time to reinforce some hygiene basics with your students and staff such as hand washing, using tissues and disposing of them, and not touching your nose and mouth to reduce the risk of infection. Focus on your own health too by drinking plenty of water, taking vitamins if you feel you need to, getting a good night’s sleep and enjoying some time outside in the fresh air. Look after yourself and you’ll definitely feel good for it!

Stick to routines and expectations in class

The run-up to Christmas may feel a little chaotic, but this isn’t the time to halt creating detailed lesson plans or stopping planning altogether. Students still need order and structure to their classes to keep them both busy and focused. However, this doesn’t mean you remove all the joy from the season; instead, it’s managed to ensure everyone stays on track. On the flip side, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared to be flexible. The ideal is to stick to your classroom routines as much as possible, but with an eye on adjusting your plans due to the festive events and activities going on. There’s a balance to be struck, with a realisation you may not get everything done this December that you had planned. January brings a fresh start!

Get prepared for January before you leave

Have a good clear out of any desk clutter before you leave for the Christmas break. Any paperwork you won’t need for the following year needs to be recycled or shredded as necessary. Next, get planning for the first week back by preparing any materials and writing those lesson plans. Returning in the new year to a clean desk and with a plan for January in place will help you start the new term as you mean to go on. 

Following a few simple tips should leave you with enough energy to thoroughly enjoy your Christmas, after all the holiday season isn’t meant to be stressful! It’s a time to relax and enjoy family and friends. Have a great Christmas break when it arrives, you deserve it!