The Holiday Season: A Time for Rest and Reflection

Anisha Grossett • December 2, 2024

As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of festivities, end-of-year tasks, and planning for the new year. For early childhood educators, this time can be particularly demanding. However, it’s also a crucial opportunity to rest, reflect, and recharge. Taking time to pause and consider the past year not only supports your well-being but also sets the stage for a more intentional and fulfilling year ahead.

Why Rest and Reflection Matter

As educators, you give so much of yourself throughout the year. Your energy, creativity, and dedication are poured into nurturing young minds, supporting families, and fostering a positive learning environment. The holiday season is a perfect time to step back, acknowledge your hard work, and give yourself permission to rest. Rest isn’t just about physical relaxation; it’s about mental and emotional rejuvenation too. Reflecting on your experiences helps you gain insights, celebrate successes, and identify areas for growth.

Tips for Resting and Reflecting During the Holidays


Schedule Downtime:

Just as you would plan lessons or meetings, schedule time in your calendar specifically for rest. Whether it’s a day off to enjoy a quiet morning, a long walk, or simply curling up with a good book, prioritize moments of relaxation.


Practice Mindfulness:

Engage in mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling. These activities help you stay present, reduce stress, and create a calm space to reflect on the past year.


Celebrate Your Achievements:

Take time to list out your accomplishments from the year. Reflect on the challenges you overcame, the growth you’ve seen in your students, and the ways you’ve grown as an educator. Celebrating these successes boosts morale and builds confidence.


Reconnect with Your "Why":

Reflect on why you chose to become an early childhood educator. Revisit the moments that reignited your passion, whether it was a child’s breakthrough moment, a parent’s gratitude, or a personal accomplishment. Reconnecting with your purpose can re-energize you for the year ahead.


Set Gentle Intentions for the New Year:

Instead of setting rigid resolutions, consider setting gentle intentions. Focus on how you want to feel and the small steps you can take to support your well-being and professional growth. For instance, you might set an intention to foster more joy in your daily routines or to create a better work-life balance.


Limit Holiday Overcommitments:

It’s tempting to say “yes” to every invitation and holiday event, but overcommitting can lead to burnout. Be selective about your engagements, choosing those that truly bring you joy and connection, and politely decline others.


Engage in Self-Care Rituals:

Create or revisit self-care rituals that nourish your mind and body. This could be anything from taking a warm bath with essential oils, practicing yoga, spending time in nature, or indulging in a creative hobby. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary to be the best version of yourself for your students and loved ones.


Looking Ahead with a Clear Mind

By using the holiday season to rest and reflect, you’re investing in yourself, which in turn benefits your students and your community. A clear, rested mind is more creative, patient, and effective. As you move into the new year, you’ll find yourself better equipped to face challenges, embrace new opportunities, and continue making a positive impact in the lives of young children.


Remember, taking care of yourself is the foundation of being an exceptional educator. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of rest and reflection. You deserve it.


The Early Childhood Coach is here to support you on your journey. Whether you're looking for tips, professional development, or a community of like-minded educators, we’re dedicated to helping you thrive in your career and personal life. Happy Holidays!

Reigniting Your Passion for Teaching

By Anisha Grossett • January 30, 2026
Finding Joy and Purpose in the Middle of the Year Somewhere between the excitement of September and the promise of summer, there’s February — the quiet stretch in the middle. The new-year energy has faded, the routines feel repetitive, and many educators find themselves just trying to make it to the next long weekend. If you’ve been feeling that way lately, you’re not alone. This season can be one of the hardest in early childhood education — the weather’s cold, the classrooms are busy, and energy levels are low. But this moment also offers something powerful: an invitation to pause, reflect, and reignite your passion for why you started in this field in the first place.

New Year, New Me: The Season of YOU in Early Childhood Education

By Anisha Grossett • January 5, 2026
Every January, we make promises. To eat better. To plan more. To do more. But this year, I want to invite you to make a different kind of promise — one that centers you. Because before you can nurture others, you must nurture yourself. And as early childhood educators, you are the heartbeat of the classroom. You are the tool, the connection, the comfort, and the calm that every child looks to. Your well-being, your energy, your spark — these are the most powerful instruments you bring into your work each day. So what if this was the year you decided to refill your own cup first?