Post-Turkey Power-Up:

How to Come Back Strong After Thanksgiving Break

Ah, the post-Thanksgiving haze. You’ve survived the great cranberry sauce debate, dodged Aunt Susan’s casserole, and stuffed yourself with so much pie that your jeans now qualify as a safety hazard. Congratulations! But now, it’s time to leave the cozy embrace of your couch and venture back into the classroom, where your students are about as focused as a turkey at a knife convention.

Let’s be honest—this stretch of the school year is tough. The kids are riding the sugar highs of leftover pumpkin pie, and their minds are already skipping ahead to winter break (and maybe even Santa Claus). You’re probably still dreaming of mashed potatoes and wondering if that mountain of ungraded papers magically disappeared (spoiler: it didn’t).

But here’s the thing—you don’t have to come back feeling like a teaching superhero. In fact, you shouldn’t. This season isn’t about perfection; it’s about pacing yourself, staying sane, and, dare I say it, even having a little fun along the way. So let’s dive into how to make the most of the next few weeks without turning into the Grinch.

Tip 1: Ease In with Purpose

The first day back doesn’t have to be a full-throttle sprint. Think of it as a chance to recalibrate, not just for your students but for yourself. Your kiddos might still be mentally snoozing on grandma’s couch, so don’t expect them to dive into complex algebra or deep literary analysis right away.

Plan something purposeful but low-pressure. Review games, creative projects, or even a class discussion on what they’re looking forward to in the next few weeks can all help ease everyone back into the swing of things.

Pro Tip: Reflection is your friend. Ask students to write or share something fun they did over break. It builds community and warms up their brains without overwhelming anyone—yourself included.

Tip 2: Plan, but Don’t Overplan

It’s tempting to overcompensate for the holiday vibe by packing every lesson to the brim. Resist. You’re not a one-person content factory, and your students’ brains are already operating on holiday mode.

Focus on the essentials: what do they need to know before winter break? Stick to that. This isn’t the time to reinvent the wheel. Streamline your plans and leave room for flexibility because let’s face it, distractions are inevitable.

Pro Tip: Build extra time into your plans. If your lesson runs short, have a go-to activity ready, like an educational game or quiet reading time.

Tip 3: Find Joy in the Chaos

This time of year can be overwhelming, but it’s also full of little joys. Lean into the holiday spirit—play festive music during transitions, decorate a corner of your classroom, or work seasonal themes into your lessons. Your students will love it, and it might just lift your spirits too.

Pro Tip: Don’t let holiday fun become holiday stress. A simple craft or game is just as meaningful as an elaborate event, and much easier on your sanity.

Tip 4: Protect Your Time (and Your Sanity)

The weeks between Thanksgiving and winter break are a whirlwind. To keep from being swept away, set boundaries. Plan your work time carefully, and don’t let it spill into your personal life. Your evenings and weekends are sacred—guard them fiercely.

Pro Tip: Schedule time for yourself every week, whether it’s a quiet evening with a book, a walk outside, or a favorite treat. Little moments of self-care add up.

Tip 5: Keep Perspective

The holidays can feel like a marathon, but remember: you’re not running this race alone. Your students are counting on you, yes, but they’re also learning from you—how to handle stress, how to embrace joy, and how to navigate challenges with grace.

Regardless of your day, there's always room for pie!

Take it one day at a time, and remember, the finish line is just a few weeks away. So hang in there, teachers. You’ve got this—and maybe, just maybe, there’s still some leftover pie waiting for you at home. 🍂☕

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