The holidays are here!
A time for joy, and celebration, and if you’re a teacher dealing with the endless to-do list that comes with the job.
Between grading, lesson planning, and juggling family commitments, it’s easy to feel like your break is anything but a break.
But let me tell you this: you can handle your workload and still enjoy the holidays.
With a few thoughtful strategies, you can protect your time, manage your responsibilities, and create space for the rest and recharge you so deeply deserve.
Let’s see how you can take control of your teacher workload and reclaim your holiday.
1. Prioritize your tasks realistically
Here’s the truth: you can’t do everything, and that’s okay.
Start by writing down all the tasks you feel you need to complete over the holidays. Then, ask yourself:
What absolutely needs to be done now, and what can wait?
Categorize your tasks into three lists:
- Urgent: Must be done before the break ends (e.g., grading final papers).
- Important but not urgent: Can be completed later (e.g., brainstorming lesson ideas for next term).
- Optional: Tasks that can wait if you’re short on time (e.g., reorganizing classroom supplies).
Focus only on what truly matters right now.
As for me, letting go of less critical tasks always helps me feel less overwhelmed and more in control of my time.
2. Set boundaries around your work time
When work feels never-ending, it’s easy to let it creep into every corner of your holiday.
That’s why setting boundaries is so important.
Decide in advance how much time you’ll dedicate to work each day or week.
For example, you might set aside two hours in the morning for grading and use the rest of the day for family, relaxation, or holiday fun.
Stick to this plan — when your work time is up, stop.
If you’re worried about unfinished tasks, remind yourself that stepping away from work is essential for your mental health.
Trust me, rested teachers are better teachers!
3. Use your planning time wisely
Let’s face it: planning for the next term can feel overwhelming.
Instead of trying to create perfect, detailed lessons during the holidays, focus on creating a broad outline.
Start by setting your priorities for the upcoming term.
What are your main goals? Which topics need the most attention?
Once you have the big picture, break it into smaller steps that you can refine later.
You don’t need to plan every activity or worksheet right now. Just having a clear roadmap will make your workload lighter when school starts again.
4. Take advantage of technology
Technology can be a lifesaver when it comes to managing your workload.
That’s why all teachers should start using digital tools to streamline repetitive tasks and save time.
- Grading apps: Tools like Google Classroom or GradeCam can help you grade assignments quickly and keep everything organized.
- Lesson planning platforms: Websites like Teachers Pay Teachers or Planboard offer ready-to-use resources and templates.
- Collaboration tools: Share your workload with colleagues using platforms like Google Drive or Microsoft Teams.
These tools won’t do the work for you, but they’ll make it faster and more manageable — giving you extra time to enjoy your holidays.
5. Ask for help and share the load
Why do we, as teachers, feel like we have to do everything ourselves?
You don’t.
If you’re overwhelmed, reach out to colleagues, administrators, or even family members for support.
Collaborate with your team to share resources, co-plan lessons, or brainstorm solutions together.
Many teachers are in the same boat, and working together lightens everyone’s load.
If you’re comfortable, involve your family too. For example, ask your kids to help with organizing supplies or your partner to proofread a project.
Remember, teamwork isn’t a weakness — it’s a way to thrive.
6. Embrace the power of saying “no”
This one’s tough, but let’s be honest:
As teachers, we often take on too much because we don’t want to disappoint anyone.
But the holidays are your time to recharge, right? And overcommitting will only drain your energy.
Politely decline additional responsibilities that don’t align with your priorities.
For example, if someone asks you to create an extra presentation for a workshop or take on an optional committee task, it’s okay to say:
“I’d love to help, but I need to focus on my current workload during the holidays.”
Believe me, once you learn to say “no”, you’ll create room for the things that matter most — your rest, your family, and your well-being.
7. Schedule guilt-free relaxation
Let’s flip the narrative: relaxation isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
As a teacher, you give so much of yourself to your students. The holidays are your chance to replenish that energy.
Schedule time for activities that make you happy, whether it’s reading a book, watching a movie, or spending quality time with loved ones.
Even small rituals, like sipping hot cocoa by the fire or taking a walk in the crisp winter air, can help you recharge.
The key?
Don’t feel guilty about stepping away from work.
Taking care of yourself is one of the best things you can do for your students.
8. Reflect on your successes
Before diving into new projects or stressing about unfinished work, take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments.
What went well this past term? Which lessons resonated with your students?
Write down three things you’re proud of, no matter how small they seem.
Maybe you connected with a struggling student, introduced an engaging new activity or handled a tough situation with grace.
Celebrating these successes reminds you of the impact you’re making and helps you start the next term with confidence and positivity.
9. Plan for a fresh start
Instead of focusing solely on what’s left to do, think about how you want the new term to feel.
Do you want to be more organized? Try a new teaching strategy? Create a better work-life balance?
Set one or two realistic goals for the upcoming term.
For example, you might decide to experiment with a new classroom management tool or carve out more personal time during the week.
Having clear, achievable goals helps you enter the new term feeling purposeful and prepared, rather than weighed down by unfinished tasks.
Conclusion: Prioritize yourself this holiday season
This holiday season, let’s change the narrative!
Your workload doesn’t have to overshadow your time off. By setting clear priorities, leaning on helpful tools, and giving yourself permission to rest, you can create the balance you need.
You’ve worked hard all year to support your students, but now it’s time to support yourself.
Embrace the holidays with confidence, knowing you’ve done what’s needed — and that you’ve made room for joy, connection, and relaxation.
You’ve got this! Let’s make this holiday season as fulfilling for you as it is festive.