Right on, Judy! Thanks for knocking sense back into me....of course, you are completely correct - thanks again! Love the gym analogy! Ok, I gotta ask, is that really a picture of you? I find your writing extremely witty and entertaining and have laughed outloud so many times reading your blog and no-fluff zone! Thanks for the entertainment!

Thanks to everyone that responded - I feel much, much better about the situation. I really appreciate all of your comments and advice.

I spoke to both sets of teacher parents tonight and they both backtracked when I pulled out the contract which states clearly that I am closed from December 24th until the first business day in January, which they both signed off on.

Unfortunately all the holidays are on weekends this year and we don't get any days "technically off in lieu" and it just works out this year that its less time overall. Judy, I am truly confident that both will pay as they do already both upfront in monthly installments, so I am not worried that they will run out on me.

You guys are all right - yes, teachers get two weeks off in total - its just how the holidays fall that the non-teaching world has to go back to work on January 3rd. Its time to think about applying to teacher's college sooner than later! Have a great night and thanks again for all the replies! ((hugs to all my fellow daycare providers!))