As the end of 2024 approaches, it’s time to start thinking about how to wrap up your school year and make the most of the well-deserved holiday break. With the holiday season in full swing, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement and demands of the classroom. However, it’s essential to ensure that both you and your pupils are prepared for a restful, rejuvenating break. Here are seven tips to help you leave school behind with peace of mind, so you can truly switch off and recharge.

1. Be Realistic About What You Can Achieve

As the term draws to a close, it’s tempting to cram in as much as possible. However, it’s important to be realistic about what you and your pupils can achieve during these final days. After a long term, everyone is tired and ready for a break. With the excitement of the holidays in the air (and perhaps a bit too much advent chocolate), children’s behavior might not be at its best, so planning small bursts of activity with regular breaks is key.

Instead of just “treading water” until the last day, focus on incorporating meaningful wellbeing activities. Provide opportunities for students to talk with each other, engage in active learning, and have fun. Rather than falling back on the usual Christmas films or quizzes, consider something more interactive—how about a team-building STEM challenge, like building the most efficient sleigh or a sack to hold the most presents?

2. Get Prepared for the New Term

Before the holiday begins, take some time to plan ahead for the upcoming term. A quieter week before the break can be the perfect opportunity to prepare lesson plans and organise materials for when school resumes. This way, you can truly enjoy your time off, knowing that you’re set for the new year.

Collaborating with colleagues is another great idea—consider holding a catch-up meeting to share ideas and divide the planning load. This way, you’ll start the new year on the right foot without feeling overwhelmed.

3. ‘End Christmas Early’ in the Classroom

As festive as it is, once the children leave for the holidays, teachers know it’s time to pack up the Christmas decorations and prepare for the new term. Instead of leaving this job until later, consider tackling it ahead of time. By clearing away displays and organising materials now, you can avoid the stress of coming back to a cluttered classroom after the holidays.

Think about taking down any long-standing displays and preparing them for the next topic. This simple task will help you enter the new term with a sense of order and readiness, without feeling rushed after the break.

4. Set Clear Priorities

With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s essential to prioritise your time—both at school and at home. Decide what tasks are most important and make sure you dedicate time to focus on them. Whether it’s finishing up specific classroom activities or giving yourself permission to relax, setting priorities ensures that you can balance both your professional responsibilities and personal downtime.

Remember, the holiday break is an opportunity for you to do as much—or as little—as you like. Whether you want to spend time with loved ones, pursue a hobby, or simply relax, make sure that your priorities are in alignment with what you truly need during this time.

5. Make Rest a Priority

The autumn term is the longest of the school year, and by the time the holidays arrive, you’ve earned a break. Rest is crucial, not only for your physical health but also for your mental wellbeing. Use this time to recharge and spend quality moments with your loved ones.

If you find yourself feeling stressed, consider engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as exercising, reading, or taking a walk. If you do need to work during the break, try to keep it to a minimum and set boundaries around your work hours to avoid burnout.

6. Reflect and Set New Goals

The arrival of a new year is the perfect time for reflection. Take a moment to consider what you’ve accomplished this year, and think about any personal or professional goals you want to set for the upcoming year. This can help you enter 2025 with a sense of purpose and intention.

During the holiday break, consider reading articles or books on goal-setting, and use this quiet time to plan ahead for the year to come. Whether it’s a teaching milestone you’d like to achieve or a personal development goal, setting clear resolutions can help you stay focused and motivated in the new year.

7. Reach Out for Support if Needed

The holidays can be a challenging time for some. Whether it’s due to a change in routine, financial stress, or social pressures, this season can feel overwhelming. If you’re struggling, it’s important to acknowledge your feelings and seek support.

Many teachers find comfort in reaching out to friends, family, or colleagues when they need a listening ear. If you feel the need for additional support, remember that services like the Samaritans are available throughout the holiday season. Don’t hesitate to reach out—mental health is just as important as physical health, and no one should suffer in silence.