Teachers, let’s be honest—we’re absolute pros at reminding everyone else to rest, recharge, and enjoy the moment… yet somehow forget to take our own advice. It’s one of our superpowers. Right up there with spotting a missing glue stick lid from 20 feet away and knowing exactly who was goofing around in line behind you…even without looking.
But this year?
Let’s flip the script a little.
The holiday season is rolling in, and instead of filling every second with catch-up tasks, grading marathons, and “I’ll just reorganize the entire classroom real quick”—what if you gave yourself permission to simply be? To rest. To reflect. To enjoy the people you love. To enjoy yourself.
Because here’s the truth:
You’ve done enough.
You are enough.
And you deserve a break that feels like more than a long weekend with better snacks.
1. Simple Ways to Unwind (That Don’t Require a 10-Step Routine)
Let’s keep it real—teachers don’t need another complicated system to manage over the break.
Try one of these low-maintenance ways to settle in and breathe a little:
- Pick one morning to sleep in. Not “sleep until the dog barks” late—really sleep.
- Take a walk with no destination. Just the cool air, your thoughts, and maybe a hot chocolate if you want to get fancy.
- Read something that isn’t a lesson plan. A novel. A cookbook. The back of a cereal box. Zero judgment.
- Do absolutely nothing for 20 minutes. Sit. Stare out a window. Be gloriously unproductive.
- Binge-watch a series. Find the latest must-watch series and binge the entire series. It’s ok.
Sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is a tiny slice of peace. A little bit of time to yourself can help calm your thoughts and allow you to reflect on the amazing year you’re about to leave behind. Even through the stresses of classroom challenges, heavy workloads, and endless to-do’s – YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED A LOT! So, it’s quite ok to accomplish not a lot over your break.
2. Family Time That Fills the Tank
Holidays and family come bundled together like a teacher and a stash of flair pens. But the magic isn’t in big plans—it’s in small, meaningful moments.
Try these simple traditions or activities:
- Game night with no screens allowed. (Unless you’re playing to win… then all bets are off.)
- Bake something together—even if it turns out… “just ok.”
- Watch an old family movie. The nostalgic kind that makes you say, “Wow… we really wore that?”
- Start a gratitude circle. Everyone shares one thing they’re thankful for from the year.
These little moments become the memories that hold the school year together when things get tough.
3. Reflect Without Overthinking
Teachers naturally reflect—we can’t help it. But this break, try reflecting softly:
- What went well this fall?
- Which kids surprised you in the best ways?
- What did you do that made you proud?
- What do you want more of in the new year—joy, calm, time, balance?
No pressure. No long list. Just gentle thinking that points you forward without demanding perfection.
4. Take Care of You
You give so much every day. Your patience, creativity, energy, heart—those things don’t replenish themselves.
This break, remind yourself:
- It’s okay to rest.
- It’s okay to say no.
- It’s okay to do something just because you like it.
- It’s okay to put yourself first for a few days.
You’ve spent months pouring into your students. Let these weeks pour back into you.
You Deserve This Time
The holidays aren’t just a break from school—they’re a chance to reconnect with the parts of life that make teaching meaningful. Your family. Your home. Your peace. Yourself.
Take the time.
Enjoy the time.
And walk into the new year not just rested, but renewed.
Happy Holidays! – Adam
adampetersoneducation.com 