Preparing for Christmas term

Preparing for Christmas term

The Christmas term, also known as the second half of the autumn term, has begun. It is a whirlwind of activity for SBMs and can be a very busy time. To help SBMs get through to the Christmas break, we have created some resolutions that should be carried out gradually. Otherwise, SBMs can find themselves overloaded with work and personal care.

Preparing for Christmas term is difficult but now is the time to do it. SBMs should have a definitive plan in place that covers all aspects from workload to key dates to personal wellbeing. If this isn’t done, then the Christmas term can become chaotic.

Be gentle with yourself

At the beginning of the term, it is vital that SBMs are gentle with themselves. The Christmas term can be a long, dark one that is not going to go anywhere fast. Take things easy at first and don’t try doing everything all at once. It may be easy to think the term will be a breeze but if SBMs start overloading themselves, then it will lead to burnout, making the rest of the term extremely difficult to get through.

Write down a must-do list

Create a must-do list for the term that is specific to your school. Consider the key dates around this time of year too such as bonfire night, Remembrance Day, children in need etc. This will act as a reminder of the important tasks that need to be carried out.

Your list could look like:

• Open events and parents' evenings
• Governors' meetings
• November and December management information
• Staff and student wellbeing support
• Children in need
• Bonfire night
• Remembrance Day
• Christmas sweater day
• Nativities/plays
• Christmas activities- fairs, charity events etc
• End of term festivities

These tasks won’t be entirely down to you to carry out, other members of staff will assist with these. However, whatever is listed should be tasks you feel responsible for.

Add in personal tasks

Within your must-do list, create a section for personal tasks you need to do. This helps you to see what is vital for your work life as well as yourself. Many SBMs can forget about tasks for themselves so listing them in plain sight ensures that you find time to carry them out.

They can be simple tasks such as shopping, gift shopping, planning, cooking, decorating, exercising and whatever else you may need to do.

Set dates of completion for tasks

Now your must-do list is complete, start preparing for the Christmas term by planning when every task will be completed by. This will give you a structure to work with as well as a clear plan that you can stick to. It’s easier to see when certain tasks need to be completed by and when all the extra events, such as Christmas activities, can be put on hold until tasks are done. Having this plan will also help manage curveballs that come your way as you can see your free time to slot it in or easily move tasks around to deal with them.

Make time to enjoy the season

Make sure that you don’t sit in your office throughout the whole term and drown yourself in work. Make time to enjoy this Christmas term by involving yourself in the various activities you have organised for your school. This could be joining the Christmas fair, watching the nativity or Christmas play, dressing up for Christmas activities (even a simple Santa hat will do) and taking part in the staff’s secret Santa.

Enjoying the season is all about trying to prioritise your own wellbeing amongst everyone else’s in the school.

Include the vital fundamentals of wellbeing

Ensure that you are looking after yourself during this busy term by including the vita fundamentals of wellbeing. Focus on eating, sleeping and exercising.

You must make sure that you eat properly. Due to the Christmas term being hectic, stress can build up which can lead to forgetting to eat good quality meals. This is when snacking occurs to fill that hunger, especially at this time of year when there are lots of snacks available ready for Christmas. A huge box of chocolates doesn’t count as a proper meal!

Try to get a full 7 hours of sleep. A great way to get into a bedtime routine is to set and bedtime on your phone through the alarm app. Set an appropriate time to go to sleep, counting back 7 hours from when you need to wake up. You can then set your alarm to wake up in time for work. Stick to this during the week. It will get you into the routine and plenty of sleep will soon be a regular occurrence.

Fit exercise into your schedule. This can be a simple short walk around the school. It’s difficult at this time of year to focus on exercising but it will improve your mental well-being and allows you to focus during work too. For more information on exercising in winter, read our ‘how to keep fit in winter’ blog.

Also, it’s important to find time to do what you love. Switch off from work when at home and make small amounts of time to do an activity you really like to do. It will boost your mood massively through this period.

Manage your emotions

Many SBMs will face tough times throughout the Christmas term so it’s important to manage emotions when things get rough. Don’t act erratically or become visibly irritable. Instead, take deep breaths and slow your reactions down dealing with problems calmly. It can be easier said than done but trying to solve problems whilst worked up won’t help anything. Maintain perspective and save your energy. You will find it’s easier to overcome the problems whilst ensuring you don’t emotionally drain yourself.

It may help to log your emotions in a notebook or journal. Write ways to overcome the feelings to assist you in managing your emotions.

Get together with friends or colleagues

A useful way to help you get through this term is to see your friends or colleagues. It may help further to catch up with any SBM friends you may have to make you feel less alone. It can be a time when you share your troubles as well as the good stuff. Friends can listen and fellow SBMs can relate to your issues. Talking it out will take a huge weight off your chest and improve your mood and motivation. Have a drink with them or a meal out and have fun whilst seeking advice.

Write thank you cards for staff

Writing thank you cards is a fantastic way to make yourself feel good at this time of year. Write some festive thank you cards for your staff to show your appreciation for their hard work this year. You will lift their spirits and help them to get through the Christmas term. In turn, this will create happiness for you as you’re doing something kind which will help you to get through the busy term too.

Why not try to craft your own festive cards for a more personal touch? Plus, crafting helps to relieve stress and calms you so is perfect to unwind from work

Eat healthier

Good nutrition is essential for mental health. Organise yourself by preparing healthier lunches the previous night to take to work with you the next day. It is rare to get time to eat lunch but create a small amount of time and eat. If you pre-prepare you are more likely to follow through with healthier lunches as this time of year is extra hard to want to eat healthily.

You don’t have to do everything

Remember that you don’t have to do or attend everything during the Christmas term. You can help to organise activities to put on in the school, but you don’t need to attend all of them. If you’re having an extra busy day and there are activities on or planning to do, don’t go. Stop planning other activities when key tasks pop up and let people know you can’t carry on or can’t attend with a simple apology. It’s okay to hand over these smaller tasks to other members of staff.

Find a balance for yourself of work tasks and key date activities. You’re no good to anyone if you’re overworked, stressed or even ill.

Remind yourself Christmas term is fun

Through all the stress and work that needs to be done whilst preparing for Christmas term, it is easy to forget that this is one of the most fun terms. There are so many fun key dates and activities going on that you can immerse yourself in and see the hard work pay off as the Christmas term wraps up. It’s also a very social time with colleagues and even students. Through it all, have fun and don’t feel guilty about spending time with staff and the school, instead of working all the time.

When preparing for Christmas term, try these resolutions and personalise them for your own school and situations. Look after yourself and your staff and give yourself one final push before the Christmas break. Remember to find a good balance and don’t overwork yourself. You will get through this difficult, busy period and there will be enjoyable moments. The Christmas term will fly by, and all the hard work will be worth it.

Why don’t you create some fun activities for yourself and your staff to do with our ‘staff Christmas activity ideas’ blog?