The holiday season is here, and like many educators, I’m running on fumes.
The holidays are stressful both in and out of the classroom. As a parent, I feel overwhelmed with the tasks ahead of me and greatly anticipate a restful break. My feelings make me stop to wonder: if I’m feeling this way, how are my students feeling?
As a child, Christmas break felt endless, a stretch of time filled with family, fun, and magic which formed my most vivid childhood memories. It’s the memory of this time that fuels much of what I do and attempt to do in the midst of stress.
But as an educator, I’ve realized that not all kids experience the holidays this way. For some students, breaks aren’t magical. For many children, school is their place of stability, safety, and care. While the holidays bring joy and rest for some, they can bring uncertainty and hardship for others. This understanding has profoundly shaped how I approach this season.
I was told by a former administrator that some kids come to school to learn and others come to school to be loved. As a young teacher, I didn’t fully grasp the weight of those words. But now, as a school librarian working with students of all ages, I see it every day.
My observations of those around me remind me to focus on connection and compassion, especially during the holidays. Whether it’s through a kind word, memorable activities, or simply being there to listen, small acts can make an enormous impact.
When I taught high school, my classes celebrated the holidays with hot chocolate and Christmas movies. These “big kids,” who many thought were too grown up for such activities, lit up with joy during these moments. It reminded me that every student, no matter their age, deserves a little holiday magic.
Even in moments of stress and feeling overwhelmed, I remind myself that my students and my children at home won’t remember the chaos of my holiday preparations. What they’ll remember is that I cared enough to make it special.
My hope is that this inspires the children in my life to grow into adults that create meaningful moments for the children in their lives. I hope they look back and see the spirit of the holiday season and keep it alive.
Because in the end, it’s not the stress they’ll remember but the love, the magic, and the moments that made them feel cherished.
Michelle Hilburn is a librarian at Purdy schools. She may be reached at mhilburn@purdyk12.com.
