Love them or loathe them, Christmas songs are inescapable at this time of year. Whether we are listening to children singing joyful carols for their live-streamed nativity plays or humming along happily to Mariah Carey as we disinfect our classrooms between lessons, festive tunes form the soundtrack to the end of term.
Despite what the lyrics may tell us, there’ll be no rockin’ around the Christmas tree or guzzling mistletoe and wine this December, as we navigate Christmas during a pandemic. It may be the hap-happiest time of year, but there’ll be no dancin’ merrily in the new old-fashioned way, this year.
We could all do with some festive fun to raise our spirits, though, after enduring one of the most challenging terms in all our careers. So, for just a moment, let our freezing cold classrooms become our very own winter wonderland, as we turn our speakers up loud and sing along safely to 12 songs of Christmas, adapted for current times.
Teacher songs to brighten a Covid Christmas
1. Last Christmas…
…we had no idea that a pandemic was ahead of us. This year, to save us from tears, please remember: hands, face, space.
2. All I Want for Christmas…
…is for teachers to be on the Covid vaccine priority list. Oh, and maybe we could have the proposed pay freeze reconsidered, please.
3. Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer…
…must self-isolate until he receives the results of his Covid test. His shiny nose and high temperature are giving the school nurse serious cause for concern.
4. Frosty the Snowman…
…was actually Gemma, the Year 3 teacher, who spent autumn term teaching with all the windows open.
5. Driving Home For Christmas…
…but only if the journey is absolutely necessary, and probably best avoided if you have vulnerable loved ones who need to shield.
6. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus…
…but don’t worry: they’re in the same support bubble.
7. I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas…
…rather than a bright red, high-alert notification on my test and trace app. Unfortunately, Christmas this year may not be just like the ones we used to know.
8. Jingle Bell Rock…
…while organised sport can take place safely, no more than six people from the same household bubble may go gliding in a one-horse open sleigh at any given time.
9. Santa Baby…
…please remember to wash your hands and wear a face covering before slipping anything under my tree this year. Ideally 72 hours in advance of Christmas morning.
10. Santa Claus is Coming to Town…
…unless you live in a Tier 4 zone, in which case travel, even by sleigh, is restricted.
11. Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time…
…the moon is right, the spirit’s up, but I’m afraid Christmas dinner has been cancelled. We’ll carve the turkey over Zoom instead.
12. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas…
…but because of the current health crisis, faithful friends who are dear to us must not gather near to us on this occasion. Perhaps next year.
And so merry Christmas to teachers and education staff everywhere. Let’s hope it’s a good one, without any fear.
Sarah Mullin is a deputy headteacher and doctor of education student. She is the curator of “What They Didn’t Teach Me on My PGCE”, and the founder of #EduTeacherTips, a YouTube channel for teachers, by teachers. She tweets @MrsSarahMullin
