The holiday season is here…
and if you’re anything like me—a high school theatre arts teacher & director—it can feel like another whirlwind act in the never-ending play of life. With auditions, rehearsals, grading, and performances, the stress of this profession can sometimes make it hard to pause and enjoy the season. But this year, I’m challenging myself (and you!) to lean into the magic of the holidays. Here are a few ways I’ve learned to stay present and truly savor this special time of year.
1. Create Rituals That Ground You
Rituals are a beautiful way to anchor yourself when life feels chaotic. Before heading into school, I spend ten quiet minutes with my coffee, journal, or a good book that has nothing to do with theatre. Lighting a holiday-scented candle while prepping lesson plans or listening to a festive playlist in the car helps me find joy in the little moments. These tiny, intentional habits remind me that there’s life beyond the chaos.
2. Involve Your Students in the Festivities
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your workload, invite your students to help bring the holiday spirit to your classroom or rehearsal space. Decorating the room together, creating a gratitude wall, or even doing a small gift exchange can be a fun way to bond. I also love having a “holiday costume day” where we all dress up as our favorite festive characters—because, let’s face it, theatre kids know how to bring the flair!
3. Prioritize What Matters Most
As a director, I know the urge to make every production perfect. But the holidays are a time to take a step back and remind myself of the bigger picture. Maybe this means saying no to extra projects, delegating more, or letting go of perfectionism. Your students will remember the care and passion you bring, not whether every prop was flawless.
4. Embrace Mindfulness
This one is huge for me. Amidst the chaos of tech weeks and grading marathons, I carve out moments to just be. Whether it’s a quick breathing exercise backstage or a mindfulness app I listen to before bed, these moments of presence bring me back to center. My favorite practice? Taking a deep breath and noticing five things I can see, four things I can touch, three things I can hear, two things I can smell, and one thing I can taste.
5. Celebrate Small Wins
We teach our students to celebrate every little success, so why not do the same for ourselves? Finished blocking Act One? That’s a win! Got through the last full week of school before break? Win! Recognizing and celebrating small victories is a great way to keep the season light and joyful.
6. Schedule Time for Yourself
It’s easy to get swept up in the demands of our students, staff, and school. But it’s essential to prioritize you. I make it a point to schedule time to do things I love—like binge-watching my favorite holiday movies, baking cookies, or even just walking around my neighborhood to admire the lights. When you take care of yourself, you show up better for everyone else.
7. Reflect with Gratitude
At the end of each day, I take a moment to reflect on one thing I’m grateful for. It might be a student who nailed their monologue, a colleague who made me laugh, or simply the fact that I made it through the day. Practicing gratitude reminds me why I love what I do, even during the busiest of seasons.
8. Give Yourself Grace
Theatre teachers, directors, and educators—our profession is hard. Balancing work and the holidays is no small feat. Remind yourself that it’s okay to not have it all together. Take breaks, ask for help, and allow yourself to simply enjoy the imperfection of the season.
This holiday season, let’s give ourselves permission to slow down, be present, and soak in the moments that make this time of year so special. After all, just like in the theatre, the best magic often happens in the unscripted moments.
Wishing you a season full of laughter, connection, and lots of holiday cheer!