High honors go to all elementary school teachers who raise a heart-centered crop of children! And they do this with love, patience, and a simple yet genius set of golden rules.

Let’s apply these principles to the upcoming holiday season and see what happens.

What grade would a kindergartener give you? Take the quiz to find out:

1. Treat others with respect

Today’s kindergarten class is a tapestry of color, language, beliefs, and customs. Did you know there are at least 14 religious holidays between mid-November and late January? Not everyone celebrates the same holiday AND that’s okay.

Grade A+ To people who greet strangers or anyone not in their inner circle with “Happy Holidays.” This phrase is inclusive and a respectful way to address those not attending your house of worship.

2. Use kind words

This right here: Imagine everyone being nice!

Grade A+ To the superheroes using any or all of these phrases:

· Please and Thank You.
· You’re welcome. (It’s You’re Welcome, not No Problem. I didn’t have a problem you just solved.)
· That was really nice of you.
· You have the best smile.
· You go first; I can wait.
· You just made my day!

Extra Credit If you create your own kind phrases!

3. Listen

A brain. Eyes. Ears. These are the only ingredients required to listen. Did you notice what I left out?

Grade A+ To the fabulous friends who:

· Look the other person in the eye. (No Snapping or TikToking)
· Use ears to hear the words being spoken.
· Engage their brain to comprehend meaning.
· Keep their mouth closed!

Grade D If you’re thinking of advice or a quippy retort while the other person is talking.

4. Take turns and share

I was a substitute teacher and this one was huge: Everyone wanted to be the line leader. How does this apply to the holidays? Well, maybe one family is always hosting. Maybe that works. Or maybe they’re feeling taken for granted. Or maybe the other family really wants to host but they won’t budge.

Grade B+ To the Martha Stewart-wanna-be-host family for letting another family take the reigns next year. (Don’t know who Martha is? Think Magnolia’s Joanna Gaines. You know that chic aisle in Target.)

Grade A If you’re feeling like things are out of balance, it’s okay to raise your hand and ask the question.

5. Ask for help when you need it

Does this look like your future or some variation: Hosting the relatives; buying most of the gifts; wrapping the gifts; baking for the craft fair; and you just found out you’re coordinating the company’s Yankee Swap.

Did I just hear something snap?

Grade A- Goes to those chronic people-pleasers who:

Ask for help.
Delegate.
Set up healthy boundaries.

Asking for help is a signal that you are a highly intuitive, smart human being!

6. Help out a classmate who looks lost or sad

Human beings are social critters. We like to feel that we belong, that we know where to sit and what comes next.

Holiday gatherings and events can be warm and fuzzy. They can also be cold and stressful when you feel out of place or alone.

High honors To the people who:

Ask their recluse relative to join them at a school play.
Drive an an elderly neighbor to see holiday lights.
Call your parents and ask them how their day is going.

7. Follow directions

I’m not saying, “You should have taken the exit!” I’m referring to those spoken and unspoken directions we need to pay attention to. Let’s see how you’ll do -

Grade B: Showing up on time. Departing when everyone else is.

Grade D- Leave a puddle of shower water on the bathroom floor along with wet towels for your host to discover.

Grade A Bringing the food, beverage, or other item you promised to.

Bonus
Points Clearing the dinner table and picking up a sponge or dish towel and helping clean up without having to be asked.

8. Respect other people’s property

When we gather as a family we can slip back into old habits and arcane birth order roles.

Grade F For any of the following:

Flipping over Aunt May’s sofa cushion to hide the cranberry juice you spilled.
Borrowing” that coveted crystal vase your sibling got because you believe Grandma should have put your name on it instead.
Breaking (accidentally?) the family heirloom platter and blaming the dog, small toddler or anyone else within range.

9. Work as a team

You’re only as strong as your weakest link. In other words, this whole holiday celebration thing can get hijacked with past dramas, political soapboxing, or comparing cars, boats, children, spouses, incomes, or whatever gunk may be hiding in the closet.

Grade A+++ To all loving people who remember the reasons we’re gathering:

To be grateful.
To celebrate what we do have.
To help others.
To put aside petty stuff and jive with the gift of life.
To laugh out loud and have fun.

10. Raise your hand before going to the bathroom

If you filed income tax returns last April, you’ve got a pass on this one.

About Susan and 3C Clarity
Susan Tompkins is an Intuitive Life Coach, creator of Energy Art, and self-declared Sacred Rebel. The 3Cs of Clarity — circles, coaching, and change are offered to help Women live their Best Life. Inspired by Maine’s woods and waters, Susan conducts workshops, healing circles, 1:1 coaching sessions, and guided meditations for those seeking clarity.

Would You Pass the Kindergarteners’ Holiday Test?