A Simple Christmas Unit Study (Free Resources)

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🎄 What We’re Using This Christmas (Amazon Favorites)
Here are a few things we’re loving and actually using this Christmas season:

🎄Kids’ Christmas Activity Book (Amazon)
🎄Christmas Playdough Kit (Amazon)
🎄Christmas Book Set (Amazon)
🎄Easy Gingerbread House Kit (Amazon)
🎄Washable Christmas Stampers (Amazon)
🎄Christmas Fun Game (Amazon)
🎄Kids’ Christmas Craft Set (Amazon)

If there is one thing I’ve learned after years of homeschooling, it’s this:
December has its own rhythm.

Between Christmas shopping, family gatherings, baking, events, and all the magical chaos the month brings... keeping up with a “normal” homeschool schedule can feel nearly impossible. I used to feel guilty every December—like I wasn’t doing “enough” or like our homeschool wasn’t structured the way it should be.

But once I shifted my mindset and realized we can still learn deeply while doing things that bring joy, everything changed.

That’s when I created our Simple Christmas Unit Study—a gentle mix of learning, family connection, and meaningful traditions, all built around FREE resources.

And yes… it still counts as school.
It counts in the best way.

Whether you feel overwhelmed, short on time, or just want something magical and low-prep, this unit study is designed for you.

Why a Simple Christmas Unit Study Works

A good unit study doesn’t need fancy curriculum or complicated prep. Especially in December.

Here’s why this approach is perfect for busy homeschool families:

• ✔️ It blends learning with holiday fun

• ✔️ Kids remember experiences, not worksheets

• ✔️ You can customize it for any age

• ✔️ It reduces stress (for you!)

• ✔️ It creates meaningful family traditions

• ✔️ It uses free online resources + things you already have

This unit study can last one week, two weeks, or the entire month of December — whatever works for your family.

Let’s go step-by-step so you can use it right away.

Part 1: Christmas Read-Alouds + Literature Activities

Reading is the anchor of this whole unit study.

You only need one Christmas book per day, and you can reuse the books you already own or borrow from the library.

Suggested Christmas Read-Alouds (Free options included!)

• The Nutcracker (free public domain versions available)

• A Christmas Carol (FREE audiobook + ebook online)

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats (library-friendly)

• The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss

• Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson

• A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig (older kids)

Simple Reading Activities (Choose 1–2 per day):

• Retell the story in your own words

• Draw your favorite character

• Make a list of character traits

• Create a new ending for the story

• Compare two Christmas books

• Write a short summary (older kids)

Free Resources to Use:

• Free printable graphic organizers (search “free story map printable”)

• Free read-aloud videos on YouTube

• Free audiobooks on Libby or Hoopla

• Free literature worksheets from TeachersPayTeachers (filter for FREE)

Why this works: You’re covering reading, writing, narration, vocabulary, and comprehension with zero prep.

Part 2: Christmas-Themed Science (STEM) — With Free Videos

Kids love hands-on learning during Christmas, but you don’t need a big project list. Choose one or two simple activities.

Free STEM Video Lessons

• Why Do We See Our Breath in Cold Air? – SciShow Kids

• The Science of Snowflakes – National Geographic Kids

• How Christmas Lights Work – Kids Discover

• STEM Winter Experiments Playlist – YouTube

Simple Science Experiments Using Supplies You Already Have

1. Melting Ice + Salt Experiment

• Freeze water in a bowl

• Sprinkle salt

• Watch it melt

• Add food coloring for fun

Learning: states of matter, freezing point, observation skills

2. What Makes Hot Chocolate Mix Dissolve Faster?

• Compare cold vs warm water

• Stirring vs not stirring

• Use timers

Learning: temperature, dissolving, scientific method

3. Crystal Candy Cane Experiment

Just water, sugar, food coloring, and a pipe cleaner — tons of free tutorials online.

Learning: crystals, evaporation, saturation

Why this works: STEM in December becomes memorable, simple, and festive without overwhelming you.

Part 3: Christmas Geography

This is always one of my kids’ favorite parts of our December learning!

Free Geography Activities

• Track Santa with NORAD (completely free, super fun)

• Watch free videos on how different countries celebrate Christmas

• Locate new countries on a free printable map

• Color flags of the countries you study

• Compare traditions (food, decorations, music)

Suggested Countries to Explore:

• Mexico (Las Posadas)

• Germany (Advent traditions)

• Sweden (St. Lucia)

• Philippines (Parol lantern festival)

• Australia (Summer Christmas!)

• Italy (La Befana)

Why this works: You’re covering culture, geography, and world traditions in a fun, kid-friendly way.

Part 4: Christmas Math (Fun + Free!)

Math doesn’t have to stop in December — but it can get way more enjoyable.

Free Math Activities

• Free Christmas worksheets (color-by-number, puzzles, easy equations)

• Printable number tracing sheets for younger kids

• Free multiplication mazes online

• Gingerbread-themed math games

• Baking measurement practice

• Budgeting activities for gift-giving

Real-Life Christmas Math

• Have kids help measure ingredients for cookies

• Compare sale prices

• Practice rounding and estimating

• Create a tiny “gift budget”

Why this works: It keeps math fresh but flexible, so you don’t lose momentum over winter break.

Part 5: Christmas Writing (Creative + Simple)

Writing can feel natural and meaningful this month.

Easy Writing Prompts

• What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

• Describe the perfect winter day.

• Write a letter to Santa, a friend, or a relative.

• Write a how-to: “How to Decorate the Tree”

• Create a Christmas poem

• Write a short Christmas adventure story

Free Writing Resources

• Free lined paper templates

• Free writing prompt cards

• Free story cubes printables

• Free December journal pages online

Why this works: Writing becomes something kids want to do, not something you have to force.

Part 6: Christmas Art + Crafts (Using What You Already Have)

This entire section is low-cost and low-prep — no shopping needed.

Simple Craft Ideas

• Paper snowflakes

• Painted jar candle holders

• Cotton ball snowman

• Homemade Christmas cards

• Salt dough ornaments (just flour + salt + water)

• Pinecone decorations

• Tissue paper stained glass art

Free Art Resources

• Free Christmas coloring pages

• Free printable craft templates

• Free YouTube drawing tutorials (Art for Kids Hub)

Why this works: Creativity boosts learning, and crafts give kids a hands-on way to celebrate.

Part 7: Christmas Music + Movement

No unit study is complete without music.

Free Music Ideas

• Listen to classical Christmas pieces

• Watch free Nutcracker performances on YouTube

• Learn simple Christmas songs on piano (tons of free beginner sheets)

• Do a Christmas dance break with free kids’ playlists

Why this works: Music supports brain development, emotional regulation, and memory — all while being fun.

Part 8: Christmas History & Bible (Optional)

If your family includes faith in your homeschool, this fits beautifully.

Free Resources

• Free Bible reading plans for kids

• Free nativity coloring pages

• Free Advent story videos

• Free sermons and children’s devotionals

• Free historical resources on the origins of Christmas

Why this works: You can add as much or as little faith content as fits your family.

How to Put It All Together (Your Simple Weekly Plan)

Here’s a sample weekly layout:

Monday

• Read-aloud

• Simple writing prompt

• Christmas craft

Tuesday

• STEM video

• Hands-on science experiment

• Geography map activity

Wednesday

• Math fun page

• Baking together

• Christmas storytime

Thursday

• Christmas history video

• Craft or art project

• Writing: Christmas poem

Friday

• Movie day (The Grinch, Polar Express, Nutcracker)

• Discussion of characters, plot, lessons

• Hot chocolate + snuggles (required!)

The goal is joy, connection, and gentle learning — not perfection.

Final Thoughts

Your homeschool doesn’t have to look Pinterest-perfect in December. It just needs to feel peaceful, connected, and doable. This simple Christmas unit study gives your kids meaningful learning experiences without burning you out.

And honestly?
When my kids look back one day, I know they’ll remember these cozy December days more than any worksheet.

If you try this Christmas Unit Study, I’d love to hear how it goes — and if you use any of the free ideas listed here!

💬 Leave a Comment

What part of this Christmas unit study are you excited to try first?
Drop your ideas, questions, or your family’s traditions in the comments — I love hearing from you!

🎁 Explore More Christmas Favorites!

👉 See all Kids’ Christmas Craft Supplies (Amazon)
👉 Browse Christmas Children’s Books (Amazon)
👉 See Christmas Learning Toys & Games (Amazon)
👉 Find Budget-Friendly Stocking Stuffers for Kids (Amazon)
👉 Top Christmas Gifts for 5–8-Year-Olds (Amazon)
👉 Best Christmas Gifts for 9-12-Year-Olds (Amazon)
👉 Christmas Family Activity Kits (Amazon)

Related Posts You Might Enjoy:

• The Ultimate Homeschool Starter Kit: Everything You Need in One Place

• New to Homeschooling? Here's Everything You Need to Know to Get Started

• How to Create a Cozy Christmas Morning with Kids (That’s Calm, Joyful, and Full of Magic)

• Top 10 Christmas Books for Kids Who Love Science & Learning (so you’ll actually get them excited — and learning)

• Top 10 Christmas Gifts for Kids Who Love Science & Learning

• Christmas Around the World: How 6 Countries Celebrate the Holidays

• Our Favorite Family Holiday Traditions (and Little Things That Make Them Magical)

• Best Books to Read with Your Kids This Christmas Season (so you can make memories — and actually enjoy story time)

Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.

~With love,

Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️