Forget the novelty mugs and homemade biscuits: here’s what teachers really want for Christmas | Myke Bartlett

The key to a meaningful present is not stress but to be their love for an adult who has invested so much energy in them over the year .

A teacher friend admitted she had been given from a single student a bottle of perfume worth $ 350 .

At year’s end , we are faced with a creeping sense that we could and should have done more.

Evidence of the imprint their hard work and care leaves on their charges. I mean, they say that. But I was a teacher myself, a long time ago, and, sure, a compliment is great but caring that much about so many kids for so many months is bloody exhausting. It’s Christmas . Keep your homemade biscuits. Bring on the wine and book vouchers. - Myke Bartlett is a writer and critic who has taught courses on creativity and happiness.