Miss Primary

Every year, Halloween ends and the festive prep begins. From Christmas Performances, to Carol Services to Crafts and the other end of the spectrum of assessments, marking and report writing, this time of the year is what many teachers call, ‘BUSY’. We’re surrounded by the magic of the season, nurturing that festive spirit in our classrooms. But let’s be honest, it’s also a time of intense pressure. Finding work-life balance whilst also battling cold and flu season, is a challenge – hands up, if you’ve been sneezed on this week!

It’s not easy and sometimes it’s not even enjoyable but we can still navigate this festive frenzy with a little planning and some serious self-care. Here are a few tips to help you find that elusive work-life balance and emerge from December with your sanity (and maybe even some holiday cheer) intact:

Plan Ahead, Slay the To-Do List:

• Start Early: Don’t wait until December 1st to tackle the Christmas chaos. Work smarter, not harder! Don’t forget to add all the key dates to your diary well in advance. For both school and home, plan and book things in advance. If getting your festive nails done or going to Panto with family brings you joy, go ahead and plan the time to make it happen!
• Prioritise ruthlessly: Not everything on your to-do list needs to be done. You also might want to do all the things but realistically, do you have the time and energy? Identify the essentials and delegate or eliminate the rest. Remember, a happy and healthy you is far more valuable than a perfectly decorated classroom door or a cheeky elf creating daily chaos.

Embrace the Power of “No”

• It’s okay to say “no” to extra commitments outside of your work hours. Remember, your well-being is paramount. Saying no to that additional carolling session allows you to recharge for the ones that truly matter.
• Delegate and collaborate: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from colleagues or parents. Most people are happy to lend a hand when needed. For some tasks, consider if some students could help (like decorating a space or designing a christmas themed wordsearch for morning activity).

Remember, You Are Human (and Deserve a Break):

• Schedule “Me Time”: Block out some personal time in your calendar, just for you. Whether it’s a long walk in nature, a relaxing bath, or simply curling up with a good book, prioritise activities that help you de-stress and recharge.
• Set Boundaries: Don’t let work bleed into your personal life. Turn off email notifications after school hours, and resist the urge to mark papers while watching Christmas movies with your family.

Focus on the Joy:

• Amidst the chaos, take a moment to appreciate the magic of the season. Witnessing the excitement on your students’ faces during the Christmas play rehearsals – those are the moments that remind us why we love this profession.
• Find the traditions that spark joy for you. Whether it’s baking Christmas cookies with your family or attending a local light switch-on, make time for activities that bring you festive cheer.

Remember, you are not alone!

Teaching is a rewarding but demanding profession, especially during the holiday season. But by prioritising self-care, setting boundaries, and finding moments of joy, we can all navigate the December rush and emerge ready to celebrate a well-deserved break. Wishing you happy holidays filled with grace, a sprinkle of glitter, and a whole lot of self-love!