Hello Assalamualaikum 
In Pakistan, winter holidays have officially ended — at least in the colder areas. And honestly, it feels like they barely even started.
Here in the northern side and other cold regions, schools close because of extreme weather. The mornings are covered in fog, water freezes in pipes, and stepping outside before sunrise feels like a test of bravery. So yes, winter vacations are necessary.
But this time? It felt too short.
While many families in bigger cities were sharing pictures of trips and cozy gatherings, our home looked different. Instead of full relaxation, there were books open on the table almost every day. Homework from every subject. Assignments stacked one after another. And the school kept sending reminders in the WhatsApp group — “Don’t forget to submit this… prepare for that…”
At one point, I even joked that this doesn’t look like holidays. It looks like remote schooling.
Near the end of the break, they even arranged online tests. Three hours in the evening. Different subjects, one after another. I kept thinking — these are just school kids. Why so much academic pressure already?
We did visit relatives for a short time during the winter break. A quick trip, some tea, some laughter, children playing together. For a few hours, it actually felt like vacation. But once we returned, the pending work was waiting again.
Now schools in Pakistan’s colder regions have reopened. The routine has started again — early alarms, warm jackets, rushing in the morning cold air.
As a parent, I feel tired too. Managing studies, driving, daily responsibilities, and still trying to stay active on HIVE. Sometimes I wonder who is more exhausted — the child or me.
But life continues.
Winter holidays are over. The cold is still here. And the struggle goes on