Kick the Holiday Countdown to the Curb and Do this Instead!

As teachers, we know how much our students look forward to holidays and breaks. The excitement is contagious — the crafts, the decorations, the festive lessons — and sometimes we join in by marking the days with a holiday countdown. But after years of teaching, I realized something: holiday countdowns can actually create more stress and distraction than joy.

Here’s why I stopped using them in my classroom — and what I now help teachers do instead.

1. Not Every Student Is Counting Down With Joy

While many students can’t wait for holidays, some aren’t looking forward to the time away from school.
For children who experience food insecurity, unstable home situations, or complicated family dynamics, breaks can feel long and lonely. A daily reminder that the break is getting closer can unintentionally heighten anxiety instead of excitement.

Instead:

Focus on making every day in the classroom something to look forward to. Build small daily traditions — morning meetings, read-aloud time, or kindness challenges — that give students consistency and a sense of belonging, no matter the time of year.

2. Countdowns Shift the Focus Away From Learning

Once the countdown starts, students (and let’s be honest, teachers too) mentally check out.
When every day becomes “one day closer to break,” it’s hard to keep motivation and engagement strong. Learning shouldn’t feel like something we just have to “get through” until the fun starts again.

Instead:

Reframe the time before a break as a chance to celebrate growth and connection. Try a “12 Days of Learning” series, where each day you can highlight a skill students have mastered or share something everyone is proud of from the semester. It keeps energy high — and focused on learning.

If you’re looking for instructional ideas centered around the holidays, browse through these holiday-themed activities.

3. Count Up to Gratitude, Kindness, or Joy

If you love the idea of marking the days in a visual way, consider changing the focus of your countdown.
Instead of counting down to something external (like a holiday), count up to something internal — community, gratitude, or kindness.

Ideas to try:

• Kindness Chain- Add a paper link for every kind act you see in the classroom. Watch it grow!

• Gratitude Calendar- Each day, students add one thing they’re thankful for to a wall display.

• Learning Reflection Jar- Every day, add a slip of paper with one new thing your class learned or accomplished.

By shifting the focus, you build anticipation for connection rather than escape.

4. Anchor Students in Routine and Safety

Transitions can be tough for kids. A visual countdown reminds them that change is coming — which can feel unsettling. Instead of counting down, spend time previewing and preparing for the transition in gentle ways.

Instead:

• Talk about what stays the same during breaks (like friendships, routines, or support systems)

• Give students space to share their feelings about the upcoming break

• Create a plan for staying connected to reading, learning, or classroom community over the break

What’s the LESSON here?

At Always A Lesson, we strive to observe what is happening around us and compile the clues to learn valuable lessons that transform classrooms across the globe. By kicking the classroom holiday countdown to the curb, you unlock a new way to impact students.

For many, holidays are wonderful. But they’re not wonderful for everyone in the same way. When we step back from holiday countdown and step into connection, we create classrooms that feel safe, inclusive, and joyful all year long.

You don’t need a countdown to make the days before a break special — just a focus on what truly matters: community, care, and curiosity.

Want more support? Browse our full collection of printable and digital tools. You can also read more helpful posts on the blog—and don’t miss my latest book: Always A Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success.

GO BE GREAT!