by Becky Slamer

Christmas time is here! There is so much joyful anticipation in this season, even if this year we find ourselves navigating difficult circumstances. Our perspective in approaching the season will drastically affect the mood and environment in our homes. Creating an atmosphere of celebration in our homes is a powerful testimony to our loved ones inside our walls and to a hurting world outside. Sally Clarkson says in The Lifegiving Table, “I believe we must celebrate, because celebration is one of the most effective weapons we have against the darkness of our day.” 

Celebrating is a spiritual discipline. A discipline that can be dismissed as frivolous or unnecessary. Yet, God reminds us over and over again that we forget and the importance of recounting His deeds and celebrating His provision. At Christmas time, the celebration already focuses on Jesus! Even the world around us is proclaiming His birth. As homeschoolers, we have countless unique possibilities to build special memories and to enjoy learning with our kids. We can choose to make the time to learn and have fun with them. Seize those opportunities!

Christmas naturally has an abundance of meaning and significance because of Jesus’ birth. Christmas music can be incredibly rich in theology and lead us to reflect on His character. Seeing all those opportunities is how our Christmas School began! Christmas School for us meant turning our December into Christmas focused learning.  There is so much natural learning in an Advent study, decorating, shopping for gifts, budgeting, baking, packing shoeboxes, giving, planning for events, serving opportunities, Christmas books, movies, music, and so much more. I love that it all leads back to talking about Jesus’ birth and the significance of it. 

It is incredibly freeing to make the choice to press pause on regular curriculum and soak up learning in fresh ways. Whether that means choosing a little bit of Christmas amidst ongoing curriculum or choosing to make Christmas the focus for December, here are a few more ideas from our Christmas School.

• When we studied geography, we did a Christmas Around the World unit study. 
• When my son was growing in his writing skills, he kept a Christmas journal that helped motivate him to get some ideas on paper. He would answer a question a day like, “What is your favorite Christmas decoration and why?” 
• One year my daughter read  A Christmas Carol. 
• One year our friend taught us about Handel’s Messiah.
• We have done Christmas art projects that were also grandparent gifts.
• Christmas copy work is a great way to mix learning and the season. Copying a Christmas Scripture passage or poem with fun colors can also be a Christmas card!
• Really listen to the words in the Christmas music and let that lead you down a path of learning. 
• Pray for family and friends when sending Christmas cards. 
• In the midst of the hustle and bustle, my husband and I practice a silent night. When the kids were little, we took turns enjoying a quiet house and being still by the tree with the Lord. When our kids got older, we made it a family night.
• Watch The Nativity Story to see the Christmas story come to life. 
• Bake Christmas goodies for neighbors. 
• Have a “Happy Birthday, Jesus party”!

How do we add in celebrating when the days feel so full already? Don’t try to do it all. Pray. Think about your family and your reality, your family’s interests, resources, and schedule. Pick one or two things to start if that feels more manageable than overhauling your whole December.

If there is one thing that continues to become glaringly true, our children grow faster than our hearts can keep up. It is my first year of having both children in college. Christmas will look a little different as our time is more limited, but I cherish the traditions and memories we have built and look forward to new ones. 

Don’t hesitate to embrace the natural learning opportunities and family traditions you already enjoy and design your own Christmas School this December! The advent season, the anticipation of celebrating His birth, is such a rich opportunity we do not want to miss. Take a few minutes now and think about how you can make this December a cherished time for your family. You will not regret taking the time and your regular schoolwork CAN be adjusted to enjoy a different kind of learning this month. 

May your Christmas be a wonderful and worshipful season of learning!

Becky Slamer and her husband, Scott, have been married for almost 22 years. They completed 16 years of homeschooling their children with graduating their youngest this past June. They are enjoying the beautiful fruits homeschooling gave their family with their now freshman and senior in college. They are also in full time ministry, reaching and sending college students for Jesus!