The classroom is decked out for the holidays—paper snowflakes dangle from the ceiling, twinkle lights frame the windows, and the soft sound of holiday music plays in the background. You’ve gone all in this year, wearing festive sweaters, adding a little seasonal sparkle, and keeping the students excited with holiday-themed lesson plans and finding the calm in the classroom amid the holiday chaos. Even with the extra workload, you’re on top of it all: grading, planning, managing the gift exchange, and yes, still wrapping presents for family at home.
Just when you start to feel confident and proud of your efforts, you realize too late that you’ve hot glued yourself to the desk—again. What the elf? You feel the scratch of glitter in your eye, the sting of the paper cuts on your fingers, and the stress quickly rising up inside. You begin questioning your competence. How did the day go from merry to mayhem so fast?
It’s easy to get swept up in the energy of the season, but it can also be a time when everything starts to feel overwhelming. Here’s where a few mindful practices can help bring you back to a place of calm and connection—while keeping the festive spirit alive!
1. Embrace the Glitter: Grounding in the Present
Holiday decorations mean one thing—glitter everywhere! Instead of stressing over endless sparkles in the carpet, why not let this be a playful reminder of the season? Each time you notice a glimmer, rage not! Take a moment to breathe and bring your awareness to the present. Use the glitter as an anchor to bring you back to a calm, present moment—seeing it as a reminder of this joyful (and messy) season.
Quick Practice:
When glitter catches your eye, take a deep breath, feel your feet on the ground, and simply notice any sensations. This small pause helps you ground yourself in the moment, finding calm within the holiday hustle.
2. Supporting Students When Excitement Overflows
Outbursts of caroling and “Is Santa real?” debates can bring out strong emotions, both for students and teachers. Practicing compassion during these times—towards yourself and your students—can ease the tension. Remember, it’s natural for students to feel excited or uncertain, and your gentle presence can offer them stability.
Quick Practice:
Try a “Loving-Kindness” moment by mentally offering kind wishes to each student in the room. Silently say to yourself, “May they feel joy, may they feel calm, and may they feel safe,” as you continue with your day.
3. Releasing Perfection: Balancing Holiday Representation
With so many holidays like Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and the New Year in play, it’s easy to feel pressure to represent each one perfectly. Yet inclusivity is about creating a welcoming environment, not striving for exhaustive representation. Practicing non-striving—mindfully letting go of perfection—can help you focus on fostering connections over covering every detail.
Consider inviting students to share their traditions, perhaps through a “Holiday Share” moment where they bring in symbols, stories, or customs from home. You might also create a “Celebration Corner” for students to add items that represent their holiday traditions over time, building a shared and respectful classroom space without the stress of covering it all yourself.
Quick Practice
Before each holiday activity, take a moment to set an intention: “Today, I’ll focus on connection rather than perfection.” This small shift helps you model acceptance and compassion for your students, teaching them that inclusivity itself is a practice—one they can take with them beyond the classroom.
4. Cultivating a “Growth Mindset” Through Transition
The end of the year brings reflection, and it’s an opportunity to encourage a growth mindset in both yourself and your students. Remind everyone that learning doesn’t have to stop during the holidays. Facing new situations with curiosity rather than stress opens up opportunities for joyful, unplanned learning moments.
Quick Practice:
Pause for a gratitude reflection. Bring to mind one aspect of teaching during the holidays that brings you happiness—maybe it’s a student’s laughter or the festive decorations. Reflecting on these moments can foster a positive mindset, supporting you through this bustling time.
5. Finding Calm Amid Chaos
The batteries in the electric menorah might be dead, or the classroom elf has gone missing—but that’s okay! Each mishap is a chance to practice a calm, mindful response. Letting go of perfection and meeting the present moment with a relaxed attitude can add warmth and joy to your classroom atmosphere.
Quick Practice:
When a small “holiday crisis” arises, pause for a moment of quiet observation. Notice any immediate reactions, and then remind yourself: “This is a moment to breathe.” This small pause can create a sense of ease and allow you to respond with kindness and patience.
Final Thoughts
Using mindfulness throughout the holidays doesn’t mean stopping the excitement; it’s about finding moments of calm and reflection in the midst of it. It’s about allowing your heart to grow three sizes. These practices can help you and your students enjoy the season with less stress and more joy.
