Many schools allow classes to have their own Christmas parties just before the break. While this is a wonderful social opportunity for the children and good for group morale, it can be a lot of work for a teacher also trying to keep up with her regular work load. Offer to take over the job as party planner for your classroom teacher. Contact other parents to find people willing to help decorate, purchase snacks and drinks, design party invitation hand-outs for kids to take home, set up, clean up, plan games, make goody bags, arrange a visit from Santa or whatever else the teacher might suggest. Ask the teacher to set a date and a time for the class Christmas party, and tell her she doesn't have to worry about anything else except relaxing and enjoying it.
Be willing to remain after school, or come early a couple of days to help the teacher with some of the painstaking chores that might pop up during the holiday season. This may include putting up the classroom Christmas tree, cutting out shapes for holiday decorations, decorating bulletin boards, hanging lights or using glitter glue to write names on paper stockings. Many of these tasks just can't be done during class when the teacher is busy and children will are under foot. No doubt your child's teacher already is planning on putting in some extra hours for the holiday season. Clear your schedule instead and offer yourself for the day to help him get it done in an afternoon so he can tend to his own shopping and holiday plans when school is out.
Teachers work very hard and have one of the most important jobs on the planet. When parents and children go out of the way to recognize this and do something nice for her, she will be pleasantly surprised and feel appreciated. Contact other parents and collect money to purchase a class gift or card and gift certificate. While individual gifts are lovely gestures, most teachers would prefer something other than 20 small teacher-themed items ... how many coffee mugs and picture frames can a teacher have? As her room parent, slyly ask about her favorite stores or restaurants so you can make a meaningful choice. In addition, you can quietly organize a special song for the kids to sing her at the party or have them make cards when you are minding the class to add that personal touch. These secretive little tasks will delight the children and keep them busy as they plot to surprising her.