Hey Teacher Friend,
I hope you’ve been resting, relaxing, and maybe even becoming one with your couch.
I have to admit that yesterday was the first day I put on real clothes. And honestly, that only happened because I had to play piano at church and fill in as a sub. Otherwise, it’s been a lot of pajamas over here.
We’ve been enjoying break in the most official way possible. Lots of cheese. Lots of coffee. Plenty of treats and sugar. Games. Family time. Very little productivity. Books, podcasts, Netflix (which I will tell you about later in this email.)
And honestly, it’s been really, really nice.
This week I’m still planning to rest, but I’m also easing back into a little work just to get ahead for January. Nothing wild. Just enough to feel grounded again.
I hope you’re enjoying your break too. And I really hope you’re getting paid for it (If not, we should definitely talk!)
A Bonus Podcast Episode This Week
Even though this week wasn’t technically scheduled for a full episode, I decided to do a bonus one. I invited teachers from all over the world to send in a short audio reflecting on the past year, looking ahead to 2026, or sharing what’s inspiring them right now.
It ended up being such a special collection of voices and perspectives. Music really is universal, but teaching is what brings it to life. And that’s us.
Big thank you to Tim Topham, Mark Weathers, Lydia Tomita, Shannon Saravia, Elizabeth Swift, Juan Cabeza, and Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane for participating. I am thinking this one might be an annual celebration of all of us teachers around the world!
Listen on Apple
Listen on Spotify
Keeping the twinkle going after the holidays
I wanted to throw this in, because I am not a winter kind of gal. Taking down the Christmas lights and the dimming of the neighborhood always makes me kind of sad. So, I try to keep it going at least a little bit in my own home and studio with battery powered fairy lights and candles.
They look surprisingly real, and I put them everywhere. Fireplace, shelves, piano, cabinets. Even rooms we don’t use much get a little glow. They are set on a timer and last a surprisingly long time.
In my studio, I also use simple battery powered fairy lights. I tuck them around picture frames, cabinets, and even the bathroom. It’s such a small thing, but it genuinely makes me happier when I walk into the space.
These photos give you an idea (minus the Christmas decor of course)
Link for candles (affiliate)
Link for fairy lights (affiliate)
What I’ve been enjoying over break
I surprised myself this break by reading three books. All part of a trilogy. All about Vikings. Because apparently, I am into that now (who knew)
The author is Giles Kristian, and the writing completely pulled me in. He also has a Camelot trilogy with Arthur and Lancelot that I absolutely devoured. I usually lean toward murder and mystery, but these were just so well written.
Speaking of murder and mystery, one podcast I love is Murder Mystery & Makeup by Bailey Sarian. She cracks me up and it’s such an easy listen. If any of you listen to her, please let me know. Also, her make up is pretty amazing.
And yes. I finally did it.
I started Stranger Things.
I never thought it would be my thing, but I turned it on while wrapping presents and somehow watched the entire first season in one sitting. I’m now well into season three, which probably tells you everything you need to know about how little I’ve done over break.
If you have any books, shows, or podcasts you’re loving right now, I’d truly love to hear about them. Feel free to reply and tell me what you’ve been enjoying.
Wishing you a gentle, hopeful start to the new year, wherever you’re teaching from.
Happy New Year to all of you fabulous teachers around the world,
Jaci
