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How to Homeschool When You Have Anxiety: A Practical Guide for Moms Who Worry Too Much

By Nancy ~
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Note: I’m not a mental health professional. These are strategies that have helped me personally. If you feel your anxiety is overwhelming, please consult a qualified professional. If you’re a mom with anxiety, homeschooling can feel like a massive mountain looming over you. The idea of planning lessons, managing schedules, and trying to “get it all right” can be paralyzing. Trust me, I’ve been there. Some days, just thinking about teaching math or reading aloud makes my chest tighten. And yet, here we are—because we want the very best for our kids. The good news? Homeschooling with anxiety is not only possible, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. You don’t have to be a perfect teacher, and you don’t have to have it all figured out. Anxiety doesn’t have to control your homeschooling journey. With practical strategies, self-compassion, and the right mindset, you can create a homeschooling experience that works for you and your children. In this post, I’m going to share everythi...
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Christmas Morning Basket Ideas (Books, Games, Snacks & Printables)

By Nancy ~

 Simple, magical ways to start Christmas morning with connection — not chaos.

*Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog 

Every year, as Christmas gets closer, I start dreaming about that cozy moment on Christmas morning when everyone is still in their pajamas, the kids are excited but calm, and we can slow down just a little before diving into gifts and wrapping paper explosions.

And over the years — especially with a 12-year-old and a 6-year-old — I’ve discovered something that feels like a secret hack for peaceful, connected Christmas mornings:

The Christmas Morning Basket.

If you’ve never made a morning basket before, think of it like a little collection of books, games, quiet activities, and small treats that set the tone for a slow, joyful, meaningful Christmas morning.

It keeps the kids engaged.
It stops the “Can we open gifts now?” loop.
And it creates a sweet family tradition they’ll look forward to every single year.

Today I’m sharing tons of ideas so you can create a basket that’s magical, affordable, and works beautifully for kids of different ages. These are low-prep, simple, clutter-free ideas that make Christmas morning feel like a warm hug — instead of a sprint.

Let’s make your Christmas morning magical. 

What Is a Christmas Morning Basket?

It’s similar to a homeschool morning basket, but festive — designed to keep kids calm, happy, and engaged while you're preparing breakfast, making coffee, or soaking in those first moments of the holiday.

A Christmas Morning Basket usually includes:
✔ Books
✔ Games or puzzles
✔ A small craft or activity
✔ A holiday-themed snack
✔ Printables (coloring, word searches, etc.)
✔ A few fun surprises

Think of it as a way to start the day with connection instead of chaos.

Why We Love Doing a Christmas Morning Basket

Let me be completely honest — I started doing this for me.

Christmas morning used to feel hectic. The kids would wake up early, bounce with excitement, and everything felt rushed. I wanted a moment of slow. A moment to breathe. A moment to let the season sink in before the noise of the day.

But what surprised me most?
My kids love it even more than I do.

My son loves the activities that get his mind going (puzzles, trivia cards, STEM challenges).
My daughter loves the coloring pages, picture books, and cute little treats.

And somehow, we all end up gathered around the basket together — reading, snacking, talking, laughing. It’s a gentle way to ease into the day and enjoy each other before gifts take over.

Christmas Books for Your Morning Basket

Books make everything feel cozy. Add 1–3 of these depending on your kids’ ages.

For Young Readers (Ages 3–7)

For Older Readers (Ages 8–12)

Family Read-Aloud Picks

Tip: Wrap the books and place them inside the basket so the kids open them first.

Games & Activities to Keep Kids Engaged

Choose 1–3 small items that kids can play independently or together.

Simple, Quiet Games

STEM + Building Fun

Creative Activities

Christmas-Themed Snacks for the Morning Basket

Because a morning basket without snacks is just sad. 

Here are some easy, mom-friendly ideas:

  • Hot cocoa packets (add a candy cane!)

  • Mini muffins or cinnamon twists

  • Christmas trail mix (red + green M&Ms, pretzels, popcorn)

  • Apple cider drink mix

  • A small chocolate Santa

  • Fruit gummies in festive shapes

You don’t need anything fancy — the kids just love that it feels “special.”

Printables to Include (Free, No-Prep, and Fun)

These are always a hit, especially for younger kids. Print 3–5 pages and roll them up with ribbon.

Great options include:

  • Christmas coloring sheets

  • Maze or dot-to-dot pages

  • Word searches

  • I Spy Christmas

  • Christmas writing prompts

  • Countdown-to-Christmas tracker

  • Nativity coloring pages

  • Winter nature scavenger hunt

Fun Surprises to Make the Basket Magical

These don’t have to be expensive! Just one or two is enough.

Here are some ideas:

  • A new pair of Christmas socks

  • A mini plush or ornament

  • A candy cane pen

  • A small fidget toy

  • A bookmark

  • A Christmas Eve photo of the kids

  • A tiny flashlight or glow stick

  • Chapstick or lip balm

The goal isn’t to add more “stuff” — just little items that bring joy.

How to Assemble the Perfect Christmas Morning Basket

1. Start with a simple basket or box

I’ve used everything from woven baskets to gift bags — don’t overthink it.

2. Add one item from each category

  • Book

  • Game

  • Printable

  • Snack

  • Surprise

That alone is enough to make it feel magical.

3. Add a Christmas touch

It can be as simple as:

  • a ribbon

  • a sprig of faux greenery

  • a gift tag

  • a small ornament attached to the handle

4. Place the basket somewhere special

Under the tree
By the stockings
On the kids’ chairs at the table

Your choice — just make it feel intentional.

How We Use Our Christmas Morning Basket

Here’s our routine (simple but wonderful):

  1. Kids wake up excited.

  2. They run to grab their basket.

  3. I make coffee while they look through everything.

  4. We sit together, read a book, enjoy a snack, talk about the day.

  5. THEN we move into gifts.

It creates a slow, connected moment that sets the tone for the entire day.

Final Thoughts: Simple Moments Make the Best Memories

You don’t need to buy a ton of things or create Pinterest-perfect magic — kids remember the feeling, not the price tag.

Your Christmas Morning Basket can be:

  • simple

  • free

  • cozy

  • meaningful

  • tailored to your family

And every year, it becomes your new tradition and a little piece of holiday magic your kids will look forward to.

If you try it this year, you might be surprised by how much calmer, sweeter, and more connected your Christmas morning feels. ✨🎄

💬 Leave a Comment

Do you make a Christmas Morning Basket?
What will you include this year?
Share your ideas below — I love hearing how other families make Christmas special!

Related Posts You Might Enjoy:

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 ❤️

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