I love that if you look up images of teaching and teachers, what comes up is invariably that of a blackboard, despite that technology being out of date by about 15 years.
Today is the day most schools break up for the Christmas holidays. A few will have gone yesterday, but most are in today for the last time for 2 weeks. Most people can appreciate the feeling of being in work for the last time before an extended period off work – it’s almost exhilarating to wake up, and you’re smiling for most of the day. Let me tell you, when everyone in a place of work feels that way, it’s a wonderful place to be.
With this post, I want to encourage you to make the most of your break. Too often, teaching staff find themselves doing work over their holidays. I can’t think of another profession where it is almost assumed that you will work whilst you’re on holiday, and I want teaching to reclaim its time off properly. Now, there’s nothing wrong with doing a bit of planning over the final weekend, but spending large blocks of the two weeks doing spreadsheets, marking, or classroom preparation is a drain on you and should be eschewed.
Instead, choose activities which make you happy. Play board games, bake, decorate your house, listen to music, watch films, take some photographs, rearrange your collection of gymnastic trophies, do some origami, get the Lego out. Patti Smith talks of seeking out things which “magnify your spirit”. Do this. Let yourself be happy this Christmas.
A word on technology. I’m not a Luddite, and I appreciate that a little of Facebook, X, Instagram, Reddit, Pinterest… can be fun. However, if it’s taking you away from the things and / or people you love, perhaps it’s time to put the phone down and do something in real life. Same goes for WhatsApp. If you’re really so keen to talk to someone, give them a ring, or, if possible, arrange to meet in person. You’ll invariably feel so much better. This applies doubly if you’ve got children. I’m certainly not trying to make anyone feel guilty for having 10 minutes scrolling, just manage it in moderation. You know you’ll feel better for it.
To be honest, this post could apply to anyone who has a little time off over the Christmas period, even if it’s only a couple of days. Ignore the work phone, switch off the technology occasionally, spend time with family and friends, engage in the activities which bring you joy. If you don’t usually manage this, you’ll be surprised how much it recharges the batteries.
If you’re someone who doesn’t get time off over Christmas, I salute your efforts and thank you for your service. Let us not forget that people don’t stop injuring themselves over Christmas, crime still gets committed, fires still happen, garages need to stay open. Apologies if I’ve not mentioned your field of work.
In a few hours, I’ll be having a 2-week break, and I’ll never stop being grateful for that. If you’re in education, and have that too, reclaim it. No-one’s gravestone says “he / she put in extra hours at school”.
Centred 
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