Free December (again)

For those of you who have been reading this newsletter for a while, you already know what I am about to say. Free December!

Last year, I introduced you all to the concept of a “free December.” That is, a December free from the tyranny of certain structures and certain kinds of work. This concept comes from the Journey to Launch podcast, specifically episode 185, where the host (Jamila Souffrant) talks with a coach (Saundra Davis) about curating her end of year. Davis asks Jamila what her perfect December would look like.

For me, a “free December” equals minimal marking for papers, minimal meetings, no large writing projects, no new editing clients (sorry!), and all preparation completed for the Winter Term. In order to do this, I do not jam-pack my November. With regard to teaching, I double dip on the syllabus and minimize student writing projects. I warn students who are in danger of doing poorly so that they can rescue themselves. I also put up boundaries with my thesis students whose work is due at the same time as my other students. As far as service goes, I stick by the idea that there are no such things as English. I am not available after a certain point because I am replenishing my stores. With regard to research, I have, depending on the project, hard or soft stops. To me, a hard stop for a project is something like sending out a manuscript or putting up a show or wrapping up an experiment. A soft stop, by contrast, is a useful pause that can be re-engaged in January. This year, I have two hard stops: one essay on Waiting to Exhale and another on Jonathan Rosen’s The Best Minds.

Your ”free December” may bring you peace of mind because you catch up on everything. Your “free December” may include more marking/grading. Yours could also include days spent immersed in writing. All of this is up to you. You need only ask yourself two questions: what do I want? How do I do what is in my control to get it?

Feel free to let me know what you choose!