Every year, I feel like I appreciate the holiday season more and not simply because I work in education and have two weeks off of work. Though that certainly helps.

The days from Halloween to New Year’s feel unifying despite (or maybe because of) the endless monotony of capitalistic hallmark music and memorabilia. I enjoy decorating and giving gifts to people, and I appreciate the gifts I receive more than ever.

Recently the word “Gratitude” has been showing up in a lot of places. I’m not sure if its simply the time of year, or if the universe is trying to teach me something, but I’ve decided to listen.

First. In a recent discussion with a coworker, the subject of teacher appreciation came up. Across Oregon and especially in low income districts, the education system is struggling. Teachers are bearing a large amount of the stress, ranging from: increased student misbehavior and disrespect toward their teachers and each other, to lack of time, support from administration, and funding. So in this season, we have to find more reasons to remind us of why we are still teaching.

One answer: a self-made Teacher Appreciation Binder.

When I was getting my Teaching License, my instructors advised us to keep all our favorite memories of being a teacher in a binder: thank you letters, graduation announcements from our favorite students, surprisingly good drawings, and pictures. That way when we need the extra push, we can open the book and remember all the things that make us grateful to be teachers. I did not feel like I needed a reminder until this year, but I was so thankful that I listened and have been slowly collecting good memories.

Second. My therapist had me watch a series of videos on mindfulness, which is a way of rewiring parts of the brain to be more resistant and resilient to stress. One assigned activity involved keeping a journal of 1-3 things I was grateful for each day. Allegedly, this simple act would change my brain to focus on the positive rather than the negative aspects of my life. After more than a month of practice, I think it is working.

Third. If you have not read Braiding Sweetgrass, you should. It is a beautifully written letter containing science, stories, and Indigenous history.

Throughout the book, Robin Kimmerer writes of the benefits of reciprocity with nature and how to show gratitude in our daily lives.

It has made me reconsider so many of the things I take for granted, and I have learned so much about botany that I really want to start a garden now.

When I think about gratitude, I recall how my mother sat me down as a child a day or two after Christmas and made me write “Thank you” letters to every person that gave me a gift. I hated it. All I wanted was to be playing with said Christmas gifts. Now 20+ years later, I understand. And I think I just might take a page out of her book this year.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!