4 Tips To Enjoying Your Holiday Break From School

Better than the New Years Eve countdown.  Better than the 5-4-3-2-1 "you better do this or else" student countdown.  Better even than the blast off countdown.

The  'winter' 'holiday' 'Christmas' break countdown (whatever your school calls it) is arguably a teacher's favorite countdown of the year.  Ok, maybe the summer break countdown is tied for first.  

In the days leading up to break, teachers experience complete exhaustion and stress.  The only brain mode... plan, plan and do more planning.  The to-do list at home and school never ends.  

Holiday break daydreams are a nice escape from the classroom chaos.  Our minds wander off to images of gingerbread house decorating, cookie parties, caroling, getting caught up with grading, reading, exercise, and the potential for break fun. The list goes on and on until the inevitable question surfaces.... Wait. How am I possibly going to get all THIS done? 

We are the ultimate to-do list generators, planners, and givers.  This time of year puts us in one setting; GO! 

Stop! A problem exists.  Teachers go from controlling the classroom hullabaloo straight into controlling their life hullabaloo! 

Priority #1: A teacher's break from school is sacred.  Taking care of yourself now sets you up for success the rest of the school year. 

You deserve an amazing self-fulfilling break.  Time to get refreshed and energized.  This will be a no-regrets vacation; you will know you maximized your vacation time.

From me to you: Some no-fail tricks to experience the best break from school yet!

Now it's your turn.  Watch the quick video above and then comment below. Give us your tip or tips that you plan to take for a test drive over break.  Leaving a comment means taking a step towards a teach happy, live happy and be happy lifestyle! (Also tell me when your break starts!)

Sending you all my love,

Sheila

Throw A Classroom Party The Easy and Fun Way

I may need an intervention.

The marathon of deliciously cheesy holiday movies on the Hallmark channel has started and I can't. stop. watching.

There is something so relaxing and heartwarming about a predictable Hallmark ho-ho-ho movie plot.  Something that makes even the busiest teacher forget all her worries.  

Have you seen 'Let It Snow' with Candice Cameron aka DJ Tanner from Full House?!?!?!  I have been waiting for this movie all year long.  Nothing can shake me out of my sugar plum fairy and egg-nogg daydream. 

Oh wait.  There is one thing that tugs at the back of all teacher's minds this time of year.

Cue the students running around hopped up on sugar. Watch out for the crumbs and sticky sparkling cider spilled all over your classroom floors.  Pack on the under eye concealer to cover up the late night classroom prep.  

You guessed it.  It's Classroom Holiday Party Time Of Year.  

Rather then let the chaos overwhelm you, let's take a different approach.  A simplified, calm, well planned, and happier approach. 

I had the pleasure of interviewing my Instagram buddy, Stefanie Khan, from @chicclassroomstyle Stefanie is not only a second grade teacher, but also a party planning extraordinaire.   She even writes for a party magazine.  

You will adore her upbeat and calming take on classroom holiday parties.  She shares her best kept tips. 

       

I want to know your view of classroom holiday parties.

Do you have any tips to help us out?  Tell us about how you throw parties in your classroom.  

Leave a comment below.  

Thank you for reading and watching this interview.  If you found it helpful, please share with your teacher friends.  Less classroom party chaos and more holiday teacher relaxation.  Count me in! 

Sending you teach happy, live happy, and be happy LOVE!

Sheila