Adding Glitter to the Grind
Written by: Adrienne Chyba
December in the classroom is pure magic—twinkling lights, joyful celebrations, and eager little faces soaking up the holiday spirit! But let’s be real, it can also get a bit hectic and leave you feeling stretched thin. That’s why it’s super important to take time for yourself and plan easy, low-lift activities that keep the festive fun going without wearing you out. In this post, we’re diving into how to keep the joy alive, care for your well-being, and glide through December with plenty of sparkle — and sanity!✨
It’s OK to Say “No”
December has a sneaky way of filling up faster than your classroom candy jar. One minute you’re adding a cocoa bar to your lesson plans, and the next, your calendar’s so full it needs its own seating chart! Before you say yes to all the things — the concerts, crafts, shopping trips, and parties — take a deep breath and decide what really matters most. At school, your students will remember your laughter and warmth way more than how many glittery projects you squeezed in. Pick a couple of things that bring joy (to them and to you!) and call it a win. And outside of school? Remember, saying no is actually saying yes to your own peace. You can’t pour cocoa from an empty mug, friend — so protect your energy, skip what you need to, and enjoy a slower, sweeter holiday season.
Let Your Routines Do the Heavy Lifting
You’ve spent the last four months building strong systems and expectations for your students—so let them work for you! Think back to where you started and how far your class has come; that growth is something to celebrate. As you sprinkle in all the festive fun December brings, remember that predictable routines are your best friend. When students know what to expect, there’s less chaos, fewer behavior hiccups, and more room for joy. Go ahead and make time for the cocoa, crafts, and holiday cheer (if you’ve read my previous blog posts, you know I’m all about those memory-making moments!), but keep your core structure steady. Your students—and your sanity—will thank you for it.
“As you sprinkle in all the festive fun December brings, remember that predictable routines are your best friend.”
Plan for Low Lift, High Magic Activities
The holiday season is made for all things sparkly, joyful, and just a little bit magical! ✨ When planning festive fun for your classroom, remember that sometimes less really is more. Did your students earn a class reward? Celebrate with an Ugly Sweater Party! Invite everyone to wear a sweater that makes them smile — the sillier, the better. Want to open your students’ eyes to new traditions? Welcome families or community members to share the holidays they celebrate — inclusivity never goes out of season. 🎁 Found a few adorable Pinterest crafts you’re dying to try? Team up with your grade-level crew — each teacher plans one activity, then rotate groups through for a mini holiday workshop day. 🎨🎄 The best part? The moments your students will remember most don’t come from perfect planning or endless prep — they come from laughter, connection, and a little sprinkle of holiday joy.
Leave Well, but Return Ready
There’s nothing quite like that final bell ringing before Winter Break—it’s like an instant signal to escape, rush home, and slip into comfy clothes to soak up all the holiday cheer. You absolutely NEED to escape and enjoy this well-deserved break with your family and friends. But here’s the thing—what you leave behind in December is exactly what you’ll return to in January. The last thing you want is to walk back into a chaotic classroom mess. So, consider using the week before break to tackle one small tidying task each day. Maybe even jot down a short “to-do” list for your future self — the one who walks back through those doors in January. Thinking about 2026 might feel overwhelming in mid-December, but if you chip away at a few things before you leave, coming back won’t feel so daunting. You’ve earned this time to rest, recharge, and refill your tank — you deserve it!
December is a whirlwind of twinkling lights, joyful celebrations, and festive fun — but let’s be honest, it can also leave you feeling wiped out! Try one (or all!) of these tips to help sprinkle some calm into the holiday hustle and keep those merry vibes flowing. And don’t forget to pause and soak up the magic — not just in your classroom filled with holiday cheer, but in your personal life too — because that’s the true sparkle of the season!
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