In an effort to write more in 2015, I’m starting a theme (meme?) called “Three Little Things”. I figure that even I can squeeze three tiny, minuscule thoughts out of my addled brain each day. Not that they will be worth reading, but hey, maybe I’ll accidentally strike gold? They might be three blessings, three devotional thoughts, three verses, three complaints, three ideas, three potions – just kidding on that one. Just seeing if you were paying attention. Anyway, I think you get the idea. It will just be three little things. On days when I have a legitimate idea to share, I’ll forego the the three little things.

Three Little Things about Christmas Break

#1. We are taking an extra week off school because, frankly, the two weeks of Christmas break were exhausting. Shopping, decorating, baking, cooking, cleaning, laundry, wrapping, planning, organizing, thinking, caring for three sick kids – it was all too much. I have slept in, eaten out, read books and been online this week. I did get all the Christmas stuff put away, but after that, I basically have done nothing profitable. Nothing.

#2. The guilt of taking an extra week off school is killing me. Since I’ve been online more than usual, I have seen all of my diligent friends hard at work, reading, learning, growing – while I veg out. I tell myself that this extra break is necessary. I mean, what kind of a teacher would I be if I were insane? Then I think, but I’m kind of already insane. So, the guilt returns.

#3. While I do struggle with some guilt, the truth is, I don’t let it get me down. Every family, every mother, is unique. A lot of homeschooling moms are emotionally, physically and mentally able to jump right back into school after a taxing Christmas vacation. I’m not one of them. While I do love socializing and I’ve even been known to “talk at a rate of 70 m.p.h., with gusts up to 90” (or 110), I also enjoy quiet time. I see you shaking your heads! Really! I do. Terry took the kids hiking a few weeks ago, while I stayed home to get some work done. The silence for those three hours was deafening – and I loved it. I soaked it in. When they all came home, I felt refreshed and ready for the noise. The same thing has happened this week. The rest, the reading, the relaxing as helped me clear my brain and to focus. It’s helped me to be more patient and loving.

My conclusion? Take a break. You’ll be glad you did.