Too much Christmas spirit...

Well, I may not have any Christmas spirit, but my students at school certainly do. Today, they just wouldn't shut up or stay seated. Lots of impulsive behavior. So, I tried some behavior modifications. I have written the words 'Christmas Party' up on the board. Each letter represents 5 minutes for our party next Wednesday. If the class acts up, I erase a letter, and 'zip' 5 less minutes for the party. I tried to be patient, but finally had to chew some butt, emphasizing the need to stay seated, raise your hands, and wait to be called upon before saying anything. And I erased away 5 minutes of the party. I knew I had made a good impression come lunch time. I was sitting and enjoying my lunch (the cafeteria makes GREAT fried chicken). I happen to look up and the six kids at the far end of the table all shoot their hands as straight and high into the air as they can go, not saying a word, but looking at me intently. Really intently. I go to see what they need. And I am greeted with, "Mrs. Who, Johnny just threw up!" Yeah, it was gross...but they weren't jumping up and yelling it across the cafeteria either! Please, dear God, just let me make it through next week! And whoever thought that having students in school until 4 days before Christmas was a good idea...well, you need something worse than just coal in your stocking. If I weren't so worn out from having to cover myself in Germ-X, I'd think of something...