The high school orchestra greeted students with holiday tunes just before the first bell rang. On their way to class, students lingered a minute or two to hear “Deck the Halls,” carrying gift bags filled with presents, some sporting red Santa Claus hats and comfy pajamas. Most smiled and chattered as good cheer filled the hallways. It was the last day of school before the holidays–and with this festive mood, students would not want to work.

I went with the flow. Instead, my classes celebrated with a holiday party with cookies, red and green dyed bagels, and Twinkies-flavored candy canes. We watched Youtube videos of “Petit Papa Noel”–a student had begged me for weeks to play this song in class–and other classic French Christmas carols. Students rejoiced when I played “Moi, j’aime skier,” a song they’d learned in middle school with penguins hitting the slopes in a wintry wonderland. They never tired of the catchy tune and the adorable animals frolicking in the snow.

I brought in Christmas cards for them to write a word of thanks to a beloved family member or friend. Many took advantage of the time to pen a few words of gratitude in French to those they hold dear. I encouraged them to at least write Joyeux Noel or Bonne Annee in their card. I didn’t ask to see their work; undoubtedly, they were relieved since I would have required perfect grammar. They were too excited for their holiday break to begin to focus on perfecting their language skills.

Amidst the celebration, I received several cards expressing gratitude for teaching my students. You are the most incredible teacher, wrote one girl. Another thanked me for helping her learn French by being in my class three years. Others handed me gifts of chocolate, body spray, and candy canes. I felt appreciated, forgetting the conflicts with a few students over the fall.

The superintendent sent a letter to staff, expressing his gratitude for a staff dedicated to educating our youth. He wanted us to celebrate our accomplishments at school, remembering how we make a difference in students’ lives. “Your dedication is the cornerstone of our success, and I am grateful for the extraordinary work you continue to do each day,” he wrote.

The world language supervisor also wished her staff a happy holiday season, urging us to take time to relax and rejuvenate during our ten days off.

The notes warmed my heart: administrators were acknowledging the hard work teachers do every day, noticing our commitment during a time when teaching isn’t a hot profession. A little thank you note went a long way to lift my spirits about working with teenagers.

In January, when the work again resumes, I’ll remember how teachers have the power to change lives. I’ll make the extra effort to create lessons that excite them, though I will still teach them grammar, which many find dull. I will be refreshed–not exhausted–after a break filled with good times with family and friends, grateful for their companionship during this special time of year.