The week between Christmas and New Year’s has been known by many names. The between times, twixmas, and the dead week to name a few. Last year I called it the liminal time.
Adult students and children know it as Christmas break. This refers to the two weeks off at the end of the year. Most adult students have it a little better and have a longer break. My university doesn’t start back until January 15th. Other colleges and trade schools and community colleges may have differing times off.
The point is that this is the time we’ve earned through our hard work in classes and, for most of us, on the job. It is our break and what we do on this break time is up to us. It is the time that we get to decompress our brains for the next class and the next semester. Or the Big Write, in my case.
See all the movies that you want.
See all the television that you want.
Become one with the couch if you want to.
Eat all the leftovers from the family gatherings last week.
It is all okay.
Some will be planning the next semester or even their resolutions for the next year. Let them. That doesn’t mean that you need to be productive at this time.
This is your permission slip to do whatever you want, within reason, during this break.
Just be ready to hit the ground or the keyboard running in the new semester.
But, for now, let your mind breathe.
Dispatches from the Evening Shift 