Teachers Making a Difference Issue 5: December 2022 Wrapping It Up

Choosing You for Christmas

Dr. Cathy Coker

Christmas is a celebration, a time for giving and not simply a day we exchange gifts. Love, Faith, and Hope is in the Spirit of Christmas. The spirit of Christmas isn’t about receiving material things, it’s in the thought to which you put into thinking about others, it’s a selfless time, where we forgive, take stock of what’s important and become ‘better’ versions of ourselves.

This time of the season is for me to spend time with those that I love and love me. Family is important. I have often heard some administrators often say to their teachers, “it’s your family or your job”. I’ll always choose my family. First year teachers and veteran teachers, they NEED you now. The times have changed. Your responsibilities are to those that you are close to. These moments you will never replace.

Choose you and when you do that all things fall into place. There will always be a classroom waiting for a teacher to fill but you can never bring back time that you should have spent with your loved ones. If you are sick or you are caring for an elderly parent, they come first. Family above the job comes first.

I’ll leave my classroom Friday, December 16th at 3:15 p.m. and not give a second thought to what I may forgotten to do, to post in Google Class, send home to parents, or copy for when I get back next year.

My thoughts will be on “How am I going to celebrate my Winter Break with my family and loved ones?” Life is too short to lose sleep over things you can’t control. Once the school doors close all you can do is forget about it. So, if you plan now you can leave that Friday knowing that you’ve done your best and you can finally relax and enjoy those Netflix moments with those you cherish.

For me, I choose those that I love. I chose to do my best to close out the school year planning ahead for the things I’ll need when I get back next year. For this holiday season I plan to make beautiful memories with those that I love. I’ll choose some recipes from this magazine and cook for anyone that wants to eat!

As teachers we are so used to giving of ourselves and this time, I am asking you not to do that and take the time for yourself. Don’t worry about the kids at school, or what you should have done, just forget all that. That will still be there when you get back but for this holiday I suggest that you get your rest, laugh a lot, play, sing, dance, cuddle up with a good book or movie, and come back to school rejuvenated.