Enjoying the Holidays in your Homeschool

The holidays are around the corner, and with them comes a mix of magic and mayhem, especially when you’re homeschooling. Between the holiday traditions, family gatherings, and that undeniable urge to make memories that will last, it’s easy to wonder: how do you keep your homeschool rhythm alive while fully embracing the season?

Homeschooling through December doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. It’s about balancing that cozy togetherness, keeping your kids’ minds engaged, and soaking in the unique beauty that only this season brings. Whether you dive into a holiday-themed curriculum or just let go of the schedule to follow your family’s lead, it’s all about keeping “first things first” and giving grace to yourself along the way.

Special Holiday Curriculums or “Just Go With It”?

For some families, December is the time to bring out those extra-special holiday curriculums that focus on Advent, Christmas around the world, or cherished family traditions. These light-hearted learning opportunities can tie beautifully into the season. Like Ally shared, her family takes a break from the usual and dives into an Advent study that sparks joy and reflection—a rhythm that feels both restful and fulfilling.

And for Lisa, it’s all about a gentle shift in focus. Her family starts the day by the fire, with coffee, cocoa, and an Advent reading, setting a slow, cozy pace. The rest of the day? It’s filled with things like building epic Lego forts or solving little “challenges” (how big can they make their fort?) that keep kids engaged and thinking. These quiet, intentional moments bring that much-needed pause and peace into the season.

But sometimes, it’s less about structure and more about what naturally unfolds. As Rachel put it, her family loves to keep December low-key and flexible, allowing her kids to take the lead. This way, the homeschooling “break” feels natural, with special car rides listening to “The Promise and the Light,” a retelling of the Christmas story that makes them all feel immersed in the wonder of it.

Simple Traditions That Spark Joy

Holiday traditions don’t have to be grand gestures. Often, it’s the small, cozy routines that stick the most in our kids’ hearts. One family favorite that Lisa mentioned is their “Jesse Tree,” a beautifully simple wreath with candles, which they light every night as they read through the Christmas story. The tradition is such a beloved part of her family that even her older kids want to bring friends over to share in the experience.

Rachel and Ally both shared how wrapping up their favorite Christmas books to open one each day keeps things festive without overwhelming their schedule. These simple, meaningful activities create moments that feel special and remind everyone that the season is about togetherness, not perfection.

When Things Don’t Go as Planned

One of the sweetest reminders we shared together? Not everything has to go right for it to be meaningful. Those imperfect moments—the missed Advent readings, the cookies that didn’t quite turn out, the times we forgot to wrap the books—often become the memories we laugh about later. Just like Lisa’s family, who never quite finishes “Jotham’s Journey,” sometimes it’s those little “misses” that give us the funniest stories and remind us that love doesn’t live in perfection.

Keeping “First Things First”

The real gift of homeschooling through the holidays is the chance to live out your family’s values in a season that often pulls us in so many directions. So, however you approach December—whether you dive into holiday studies or let go of curriculum altogether—just remember to keep your focus on togetherness and let the rest unfold.

The beauty of homeschooling through the holidays is that your family’s learning can be anything you want it to be: a time for building gingerbread houses, reading stories by the fire, or making old family recipes with way too much frosting. Because in the end, it’s the love and memories you’re building that matter most.

So here’s to a holiday season filled with laughter, cozy fires, and the warm memories that will bring everyone back to your table for years to come.

Resources

Here are wonderful resources created by your hosts for this holiday season.

Want to Countdown with Spark Schooling Daily Hands-On STEM Activities?

Bring holiday cheer and learning to your home with the Spark Schooling Christmas Countdown! This 24-day countdown is packed with hands-on, holiday-themed activities in art, music, STEM, and movement – perfect for sparking creativity, curiosity, and family bonding throughout the holiday season. PLUS there are bonus videos to enhance each day’s learning fun!

Here’s an Invitation to Gather & Learn Together for Advent with Christmas Schooling

Christmas School: A Scandinavian Adventure is a special curriculum for the three weeks preceding your Christmas celebrations. It’s an opportunity to spend more time together and enjoy one another, while learning and celebrating Christmas in other cultures. You’ll have 3 weeks of fully planned learning fun with art, music, culture, geography, cooking, STEM, and more each week…and it all brings your family together in the coziest of ways.