In the old Japanese calendar, December was called “Shiwasu”, which means “running priest or teacher”.  Some say it was called this because December is such a busy month that even a priest has to run.

Speaking as a teacher, I can certainly vouch for the spirit of “shiwasu”.  I’ve been so busy these past weeks, that I’m struggling to get into the spirit of Christmas.  Every December, I try  to watch one of my favorite movies: It’s A Wonderful Life.  This usually gives my spirits the final boost they need.  This year, however, I’ve been forced to watch it in bits and pieces.  I’ll try to take some time over the weekend to finish watching it, and change my BAH HUMBUG! into HO! HO! HO!!