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If there is one thing I’ve learned as a homeschool mom, it’s this:
December homeschooling is its own beautiful, chaotic, magical season… and it does NOT have to look like the other months.
Every year, I used to tell myself, “We will keep our normal schedule. We’ll stay disciplined. We won’t fall behind.”
And guess what?
December would come in with Christmas activities, family gatherings, extra responsibilities, sugar highs, late nights, and all the emotions—and suddenly, trying to homeschool normally felt nearly impossible.
If this is you too, I want to pause and lovingly say something:
You are not doing anything wrong. Homeschooling light during Christmas is not failing—it’s wise, intentional, and absolutely guilt-free.
In this post, I’m sharing exactly how we shift into a lighter homeschool rhythm every December—one that keeps the learning going without the overwhelm. And by the end, you’ll walk away with a step-by-step plan you can use right away.
Let’s make Christmas schooling peaceful this year. ❤️🎄
Why December Isn’t the Time for “Regular” Homeschooling
December has a completely different energy than any other month. Kids are excited. Parents are busier. Schedules change. There are traditions to keep and memories to make—not to mention all the extra errands, gift shopping, baking, and holiday events.
But here’s the key:
Your kids learn SO much through life in December.
Even when it doesn’t look “schoolish.”
Think about it:
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Baking teaches fractions, measuring, sequencing, and following instructions.
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Budgeting for gifts teaches math and financial literacy.
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Reading Christmas stories builds comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency.
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Writing letters to Santa or cards to family = writing practice!
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Crafting = art, fine motor skills, and creativity.
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Learning about global traditions = geography and culture.
December is full of organic learning opportunities.
So homeschooling light doesn’t mean no learning—it means smart, manageable learning.
Step 1: Define What “Light Schooling” Means for Your Family
Light homeschooling looks different for every family, so I break it down into 3 levels. Choose what fits your season:
LEVEL 1: The “Bare Minimum” Approach
Perfect for when life gets extra busy.
You do only:
This is more than enough to maintain progress.
LEVEL 2: The “Slow + Cozy” Approach
You keep your core subjects but lighten them:
This is the level we usually do.
LEVEL 3: The “Christmas School Only” Approach
You pause your curriculum and replace it with Christmas learning:
Kids learn so much through seasonal themes.
There is NO wrong choice. Just pick what supports your mental health and your family rhythm.
Step 2: Choose One Anchor Activity for Each Day
One of the secrets to stress-free December homeschooling is this:
Every day gets ONE main learning activity. Just one.
Here are some low-prep options:
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Read a Christmas chapter book or picture book
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Do one Christmas craft
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Watch a Christmas documentary
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Bake or cook a holiday recipe
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Do a Christmas math or writing prompt
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Work on a Christmas Around the World project
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Complete one page from a December printable pack
When we do this, the entire day feels manageable instead of overwhelming.
And guess what?
My kids still learn sooo much.
Step 3: Switch to Seasonal Learning (Kids Love This!)
If you’ve been feeling burnt out with regular curriculum, December is the perfect time to switch gears.
Here are ideas that require almost zero prep:
1. Christmas Read-Alouds
Some of our family favorites:
Reading every day keeps learning strong with very little effort.
2. Holiday Nature Walks
We look for:
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Pinecones
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Animal tracks
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Winter birds
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Seasonal plants
Then we journal about what we found—writing + science in one activity.
3. Christmas Around the World Lessons
Kids LOVE learning about:
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Mexican posadas
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Swedish Saint Lucia Day
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German Christmas markets
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Filipino parols
It’s culture, geography, and history… all wrapped in magic.
4. Baking + Cooking
Cookies, hot chocolate, gingerbread—easy, fun, educational.
Kids learn:
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Measuring
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Mixing
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Patience
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Sequencing
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Kitchen safety
This is real-world learning at its best.
5. DIY Gifts or Cards
One of the BEST low-prep activities.
Kids get:
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Creativity
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Handwriting practice
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Art
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Meaningful giving
This builds character and soft skills curriculum can’t touch.
Step 4: Set Realistic Expectations (for Yourself & the Kids)
This is where so many of us struggle—we expect December to run like September.
But it won’t.
And it shouldn’t.
Here are the expectations we set:
✔ Fewer lessons is not falling behind.
You’re building life skills and memories that matter MORE.
✔ We finish what we finish—and that’s enough.
Some days learning looks like math.
Some days it looks like decorating cookies.
Both count.
✔ Rest is productive.
Kids—and moms—need breaks to avoid burnout.
When you shift your expectations, guilt disappears.
Step 5: Protect Your Peace by Simplifying Everything
Think about what drains you the most in December.
Then… simplify it.
Here are examples that helped me:
Simplify meals:
Slow cooker, sheet pan dinners, or breakfast-for-dinner.
Simplify chores:
We do 10-minute morning resets instead of long cleanings.
Simplify homeschooling supplies:
We keep one Christmas Basket with:
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books
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crayons
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glue
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scissors
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simple worksheets
Simplify outings:
Pick your top three holiday events and skip the rest.
This frees your mind, your energy, and your time.
Step 6: Remember That December Learning Counts (A Lot)
Here’s the mindset shift that changed everything for me:
December isn’t a break from learning. It’s a different kind of learning.
Your children are:
This is the stuff that actually shapes who they are.
Curriculum can wait.
Childhood cannot.
Step 7: Create a Simple Weekly Christmas-School Plan
Here’s a sample “light homeschooling” week we’ve used:
Monday:
Read-aloud + Christmas math worksheet
Tuesday:
Bake cookies + write a recipe card
Wednesday:
Christmas Around the World lesson
Thursday:
Craft day (ornaments, cards, garlands)
Friday:
Family movie day (historical, cultural, or classic Christmas film)
That’s it—5 days, zero overwhelm.
Your week does NOT have to be jam-packed to be meaningful.
Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty About Homeschooling Light
Let me say this straight:
**Homeschooling light during the Christmas season doesn’t mean you’re falling behind.
It means you’re living aligned with your values.**
December is about:
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family
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traditions
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celebration
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slowing down
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connection
Your kids will never remember the math lesson you skipped.
But they will remember:
Those memories matter.
The guilt you feel?
It’s unnecessary pressure you do NOT have to carry.
You are doing enough.
And your kids are learning more than you realize.
Ready to Make December Peaceful, Magical & Educational?
Check out my Christmas Around the World printable if you want an easy ready-to-go option. ❤️🎄
Leave a Comment
How do you homeschool during the Christmas season? Do you go light, take a full break, or do Christmas-school?
I’d love to hear your traditions and ideas—share them in the comments!
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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.
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️
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