Christmas Traditions- Christmas School

One of the things I enjoy most about Homeschooling is Christmas time! Every year we take the month of December off from "school" I put that in quotes because school is such a part of life- it's hard to separate it out and call it that- but I guess what that means is we take a break from tablework. Every year I try and do something fun for the month. Some years we've done fun unit studies on different picture books, other years we've studied a bit out other countries and Christmas around the world. Some years we simply pick a book each day and do something fun to go with that book.

This year as I was pondering what to do for Christmas School, I thought about what kind of memories I want my children to have of Christmas in our Family, and I decided there were 4 main "categories" (for lack of a better word) of Memories. Memories of Crafts, Memories of Baking and Food, Memories of Service, and Memories of Fun.


On Monday as we started our Christmas studies this year- there was a WONDERFUL page in this month's Friend Magazine that has Scritpures to read each day of the Month of December. It was a perfect addition to our devotionals over breakfast. After breakfast we read as many Christmas books as we want, then make some memories.


Monday was Craft day- so we spent time making ornaments for Our Christmas Tree- Snowflakes and Reindeer. They were cute and simple- and used up craft sticks.

To make the Snowflakes- glue 3 or 4 snowflakes together. When the glue is dry paint them with white paint. While the paint is still wet- sprinkle with glitter. Drill a hole in the top (we used Ben's Whitney punch- a sheet metal tool that works wonders for punching holes in wood, leather- and I suppose sheet metal) Then put a hook through the hole, and hang it on the tree.
The Reindeer turned out really cute as well. Glue the 3 sticks together in an "A" shape- When the glue is dry- paint with brown paint. Glue on googley eyes and a pompom nose. Punch the hole in the top, and hang on tree.
Wednesday was Baking Day- yum! Christmas reminds me of Banana bread! So Roo and I made a loaf of Banana Bread. Doodle helped me make a loaf of Cranberry Bread, and Bug made some Rhubarb Bread. They were delicious!

Wednesday was Service Day- so we found someone to help. Sorry- no more info. than that- we were helpful.

Thursday was Fun Day- Or as the kids called it- Movie Day. We watched two movies and had popcorn. The Little Drummer Boy (after reading the book and learning the song) and Santa Claus is Coming to Town.