For teachers, today is either an “ah,ha,” day or a “what do I have to get done?” day, or a combination of both. In forty years of “last day before break” days, I was often shoving stacks of essays into my dufflebag, trying to get all the exam short answer parts corrected, or gathering materials to plan the next unit after vacation. Rarely did I leave the building without piles of work to take home.
I know, there are other teachers who gave “projects” for exams and estimates for grades. I was not one of those. Often there were other distractions on that last day–a schoolwide assembly, a film to watch to pass the time, a student-faculty basketball game— that stole my only forty-minute planning period when I could have addressed the fated “I’ve gotta take all this home, I guess” complaint. My family was used to Mom’s distractions from all the “home” duties, etc. I guess I envied those who were going skiing or taking a cruise. Those opportunities never came to me. It was more important that the meals were planned, the gifts were purchased and wrapped (no Amazon next-day delivery in those days), and decorating, attending programs, entertaining, concerts, etc. had to fit between getting grades done before returning to school in early January.
So, today, I’m hopeful that the children can have a carefree vacation. They’ve spilled their brains on papers, projects, presentations, and essays. Some go home to loving homes and anticipation of fun; others, unfortunately, are picking up donated gifts and food boxes because they will face disappointment if their families cannot provide “the American dream” for them. Some are whisked off to babysitters because Mom and Dad are minding the store or working long hours so the rest of us are served. Some have to go to “the other parent” because divorce has divided their families.
Some among us face loneliness at this holiday and wish they could welcome the new year with joy but can’t do so. There may be empty chairs at the table. They may not decorate because it’s too depressing to take those decorations down with no one there to see them. Some don’t acknowledge that Christmas is the time to understand that God gave the very best gift to the world, and that’s why we celebrate. Some storeowners compare their bottom line and delight in customers’ overspending or grieve that expenses weren’t met yet again.
Everyone has expectations this day. May we recognize that it’s either a sad-happy day, a joyful one, or one that brings continued pain and disappointment. Let’s be merciful to each and not blithely say, “Happy Holiday” and go on our way. At least this year, I, as a practicing Christian, do not fear reprisals when I wish with all my heart that it will be a Merry Christmas because I’m a believer in the Christ from the stable is the same Savior of the crucifixion, and most certainly the Risen Savior who makes every day special. 
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