The gift of friendship

It’s always surprising how quickly the month of December seems to fly by.

During the school day, teachers are busy with regular academic instruction, end-of-semester assessments, helping students make gifts for parents and classmates, making cards, entering grades, and a multitude of other things.

The after-school hours are filled with preparing for the next day, correcting papers, filing assessments and portfolio samples, writing letters to parents, attending holiday concerts, planning a class holiday party, shopping for the necessary supplies, and more.

Somehow, it seems as if there are so many things that need to be done that it’s hard to find time to nurture our relationships with friends.

The season of joy seems to have become the season of stress. This holiday season, consider giving a gift that comes back to you. Spend time nurturing friendships.

You know those friends you enjoyed spending time with in June, July, and August? They’d enjoy seeing you in December, also.

Numerous studies have shown the correlation between social interactions and our health. They have also proven the importance of laughter.

When you get together with friends, you are giving the gift of your time, but you are also doing yourself a favor.

I think Dr. Seuss should have written a December book for teachers. I’m thinking it would go something like this:

Schedule time to get together for tea or a ski. For a walk or a talk. For a fat-tire bike ride, or anything outside. For a treat, or out to eat. Go out on a trail or skate with a sail. Get together for lunch or a brunch. Make a decoration, or write a declaration. Volunteer somewhere fun, and after you’re done, go play in the snow and the sun. Make cards together in any kind of weather.

Dr. Seuss wouldn’t stop there. He’d suggest that you get together to cook, and then read a book. After your book club, go sit in a hot tub. Watch a play at our local VPA. Make something out of birch, then go to church. Get together to write a rhyme, laugh and have a great time. Go swimming at the pool and take a break from school.

Then, I picture Dr. Seuss putting down his pen, picking up the phone to call his friends, and making arrangements for a get-together. I think I’ll do the same. I’m ready for a friendly visit, a good cup of tea, and a big laugh.

Diana Sloan-Basner teaches second grade at Birchtree Charter School. She is looking forward to getting together with her friends during the next few weeks.