If you’ve ever looked around your classroom the week before any holiday and thought, “How am I going to get through this week?”… you’re not alone.
The excitement is real. Schedules are off. Students are buzzing. And somehow, you’re still expected to keep learning going while managing all that energy.
After years in the classroom, I’ve learned one thing: holidays are not the time to try something complicated.
We know that kids {and teachers!} love simple, predictable, low-prep activities that keep your students engaged and help your day run smoothly.
Let’s talk about what actually works.
Stick to Predictable Routines {Even During Holiday Excitement}
It’s tempting to throw out your schedule during holiday weeks—but honestly, that’s when your routines matter the most.
Students thrive on knowing what comes next, especially when everything else feels exciting and different.
A few ways to keep things consistent:
- Start your day with your usual morning work or soft start
- Keep your literacy and math blocks structured (even if activities are themed)
- Build in quiet work time each day
Simple routines = fewer behavior issues.
You don’t need a brand-new plan. You just need to adjust what you’re already doing.
Low-Prep Holiday Activities That Actually Work
When your energy is low and your time is limited, you need activities that are easy to implement but still meaningful.
Here are a few go-to ideas:
- Read-aloud + quick response
Read a holiday-themed book, then have students draw or write a short response - Seasonal Math Fact games
Partner games that review skills you’ve already taught
- Directed drawing or themed coloring
Great for fine motor practice and calming busy minds
- Simple writing prompts
“My favorite holiday tradition…” or “If I could plan a holiday…”
The key here is keeping things simple and familiar—not adding more to your plate.
The Power of Independent Activities
One of the biggest challenges during holiday weeks?
Students working at different speeds… and needing constant help.
That’s why independent activities are a lifesaver.
Want me to send you this post?
When students can work on something without needing step-by-step directions, it gives you:
- Time to support small groups
- A solution for early finishers
- A calmer, more focused classroom
Even having just one reliable independent activity each day can make a huge difference.
A Go-To Solution for Busy Holiday Weeks
Over time, I realized I needed something I could grab quickly—something my students enjoyed but didn’t require prep, explanation, or management.
That’s exactly why I started using mini holiday activity books in my classroom.
They’ve become one of my favorite tools during busy weeks because they:
- Require zero prep
- Keep students engaged and on-task
- Work for centers, early finishers, or quiet time
- Help bring a sense of calm to the day
I’ll often pass them out after recess, during a transition, or when I need a reset moment. My students love them, and I love how easy they make my day feel.
If you’re looking for something you can use right away, you can check out my Mini Holiday Books—they’re designed specifically for these kinds of moments.
Make Holiday Weeks Easier on Yourself
You don’t have to plan elaborate lessons or reinvent your schedule to get through a holiday week successfully.
Instead, focus on:
- Keeping your routines steady
- Using simple, familiar activities
- Building in independent work time
Sometimes the best thing you can do—for your students and yourself—is keep things easy.
Ready to Simplify Your Holiday Week?
If you’re looking for an easy, no-prep option to use during those busy days, take a look at the Mini Holiday Books and see how they fit into your routine.
This pack is filled with 16+ mini books to use throughout the school year. From Back to School, Valentine’s Day, the Final Days of School, and every holiday imaginable in between, I’ve got ya covered!
Or try one simple change during the week. Add a predictable, independent activity to your day and notice how much smoother things feel.
You’ve got this.
Don’t forget to pin this post for later!
