The Rush to the Next Big Event
It’s nearly Christmas!
…or at least that’s the message that the TV, supermarkets and even my local radio station have been suggesting since early November!
I can’t be the only one who, on hearing Christmas songs in early November mentally shouted at the radio “It’s NOT Christmas yet!”
It seems that there is this unseemly rush to prepare for the next big, calendared event when the last one is over. Once Halloween had been done, we moved onto Bonfire Night and once that was done it seemed that someone somewhere decided Christmas had started.
Then there’s the debate about when does your tree and decorations go up? The first ones I saw this Christmas were up before October was out!
Why the Slowdown Matters
Before you get the wrong idea, I’m not the Grinch but I do think that the rush to the next “big event” starts way too early and there is nothing wrong with a quiet spell across the year. This is when we step back and recharge, but it almost feels like we don’t have time to recharge. It certainly feels that way in schools and always has done.
Yet, we have always needed, and will always need, times to recharge, re-set and re-energise. No-one, not even top athletes, perform at full tilt incessantly. We are already being told that the congested period of professional football matches over Christmas will lead to burnout of players and injuries. Sport recognises that physically human beings need time to recover if we are to be the best version of ourselves.
The Toll on Schools
It is no different for those working in our schools. We are heading towards the end of the longest term of the year and apart from coming up for breath in the half-term week at the end of October it has been full on, all day, every day.
The toll is incessant. Apart from the core business of teaching, schools are charged with safeguarding the children and often dealing with related issues originating in the community, managing parental complaints, managing the consequences of poverty and deprivation, managing higher and more complex levels of SEND than we’ve ever known and much more — all with reduced funding and often fewer staff.
You're Not Alone: This is a National Picture
Firstly, if you think this is just the case in your school, you need to know this is happening nationwide. You are doing your best, just as every other school is.
Secondly, what you’re doing daily makes a huge difference to children and their families — but it takes a huge toll on you emotionally, mentally and physically.
Thirdly, and most importantly, you cannot sustain this level of investment without recharging your batteries.
A Timely Reminder About Rest
I saw a quote on Facebook this week which summed this up perfectly:
“If you don’t find time for yourself and rest, your body will take a rest for you, and it probably won’t be at a convenient time.”
If we want to retain control over our lives and be fit and healthy for the things we want to do — especially at Christmas — then we have to look after ourselves.
The Busy Run Up to Christmas
By the time we reach December most schools will have three weeks left — 15 days — but in addition to the usual workload we have nativities, parties, carol services, Christmas fairs, excited children and all the usual end-of-term pressures.
Daunting? Yes. But with some intentional wellbeing choices, it can be manageable.
Five Ways to Prioritise Wellbeing This December
1. Put Yourself First — Yes, Really
Prioritise yourself. Everything we do in school puts children first except wellbeing. With wellbeing we must start with ourselves.
2. Finish Early When You Can
With late nights for fairs, nativities and events, the days get very long. On days without commitments, get away early and recharge — even if that simply means an early night.
3. Leaders: Role Model Wellbeing
Senior leaders can help by modelling healthy behaviours and avoiding consecutive late-night events. Where possible, cancel staff meetings and encourage staff to go home and rest.
4. Stick to the Basics
Sleep, rest, healthy eating, hydration and movement are the foundations of wellbeing. They matter more than ever when things get hectic.
5. Accept That You Can’t Do Everything
Even when giving our best, we can’t do everything. There must be trade-offs. Prioritise what must be done and release yourself from guilt over what can wait.
A Message for Senior Leaders
Please feel free to share these suggestions with your staff — in a bulletin, on a noticeboard or in briefings — as a reminder that their wellbeing truly matters.
It’s not just about getting to the end of term; it’s about being healthy enough to enjoy Christmas after it.
A Final Thank You
I hope these five ways to prioritise wellbeing help you enjoy Christmas both in school and at home. It’s a magical time of year in schools and one I miss deeply as an ex-head.
Thank you for everything you do for children and families across the nation. You make an enormous difference, even when it feels unseen.
Have a wonderful Christmas with your families when it finally arrives, and I look forward to working with you and your schools to support whole-school wellbeing in 2026.
Andy Mellor
National Director of Wellbeing
Listen to the Christmas Special episode of the Ask Andy Podcast below.