What are you doing this Christmas?

For me i am relaxing. I have almost 3 weeks off and I think i deserve it.

As an High School teacher it can be quite demanding to constantly think up new games that last 50minutes whilst create worksheet after worksheet that extend the learning practice of the text book that for some reason most students dont like (thats the text books, not y work sheets).

I mean, the text books seriously need updating to modern times. After all reading about Home Alone from the text book that misses out 90% of the storyline. Yes, thats right, 90%...

It starts with Kevin being all annoyed at his family, then his family leave, he then eats junk food and goes shopping but then misses his mum. So he puts up a tree and wishes really hard and the next morning his mum is waiting for him by the tree - The End...for some reason the excitement of protecting your house from robbers by coming up with cunning pranks is just too much for the kids - either that or it gives the wrong impression.

To make matters worst my Japanese English teachers who have been teaching for a very long time have never seen the movie...So it means nothing to them or the students. But our job is to teach.

This week is my last stretch until the winter hols...one week - then 1 day training - then freedom.

So this week i have donned a santa costume bought for 440yen (about $4 or £3.50)...it came with trousers, jacket, hat, belt and beard - a lot of flet was used...no cushion, pillow or padding though so i have had to use my own...

I must admit i almost backed out...i wasnt going to because i was so nervous but now it feel the norm. I especially like the pillow because it feels like a constant hug...i still have my work clothes on underneath, just incase some official comes in to the school and it also gives me extra warmth for the winter cold.

My students were so excited and i have never seen them so animated...their ages are 15-18year olds. I bought hundreds of pencils from the 100yen store as a gift and then i do a raffle for everyone else and give 1 main prize...

this of course is optional - i believe Christmas is the time of giving and the gifts are not that expensive...i have about 500-600 students in total. The pencil I buy cost me about 20pounds and the gifts in total cost about 20pounds...so for 600 students that is very cheap.

Winter is now fast approaching - only last week it was 17'C and now is plummeted to 3'C during the day...at night it is now dropping below freezing...we had a few snowflakes last week which is classed as "The first snow of the season"...but this means snow is on its way...luckily my plans are to stay at home, keep warm, drink cocoa, watch movies and play on the Wii.

I am still teaching adult classes over the holidays once a week and will meet up with my japanese friends but unfortunately for me my english friends are going home...

So what are you doing for Christmas?