I confess. I have mixed feelings about this time of year. Though I love the months of November and December, it is a crazy busy time for educators: school programs, altered schedules, special activities, holiday celebrations, breaks…oh yeah, and then there’s the teaching part. My brain hurts just thinking about it.

Sadly, as much as I love the holiday seasons, I don’t care for the frenzy that goes along with them. I hyper-focus on my work responsibilities right up to the breaks and then frantically jump into the actual holidays, moving on to home responsibilities. It seems like I’m on a hamster wheel just checking off the boxes along the way.

This year I’m trying to do a better job of enjoying these two months rather than just surviving them. “How?” you might ask. Several suggestions. First, draw boundaries. Remember, your job is your job, but it doesn’t have to consume your life. Second, make a conscious choice to focus on the joys in your work and at home rather than the challenges. Third, slow down. Lastly, and most important, Carpe Diem. To the best of your ability, enjoy each moment rather than being obsessed with what needs to be done in the future.

The holidays are upon us. I hope yours are rest-filled and happy ones.