Creating a Meaningful December: Homeschool Traditions & Advent Devotionals

The Christmas season is here! It's a time of joy, twinkling lights, and… sometimes, a little bit of overwhelm. As homeschoolers, we’re uniquely positioned to cultivate a meaningful December for our families, one filled with intention and connection. I love that homeschooling allows us to prioritize what matters most – creating lasting memories and focusing on Christ during this special time of year.

What does your homeschool routine look like this December? What traditions do you cherish as a family?

One of the greatest gifts of homeschooling is the freedom to build a family culture rich in traditions and shared experiences. And for us, that starts with Advent.

If you're unfamiliar, Advent traditionally begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas and represents a period of waiting and anticipation for the arrival of Jesus. As Christians, Jesus is the reason for the season, and incorporating a devotional into our December routine is a beautiful way to center our hearts on Him.

Over the years, we've explored several wonderful Advent resources. A series that’s become a beloved tradition in our home is Jotham’s Journey by Arnold Itriand. It includes Jotham’s Journey, Bartholomew’s Passage, Tabitha’s Travels, and Ishtar’s Odyssey. These are fictional stories that follow children’s journeys during the time of Jesus’ birth. They're engaging, exciting, and offer a glimpse into the historical context of the Nativity. A word of caution: these books do contain some violence, as that was a reality of life during that era. While my children (ages 5 and up) have handled it well, consider your children’s sensitivities when deciding if they’re appropriate.

This year, we’re working through Tabitha’s Travels, and we’ve loved revisiting the other books in the series. Each chapter is followed by discussion questions that help us connect the story back to the message of the Gospel.

To add even more depth to our Advent experience, we’re also using Waiting for Jesus from Daily Grace Co. It provides a family tree of Jesus and emphasizes the hope of Christmas. It's a simple yet powerful way to keep our focus where it belongs.

We’ve also enjoyed Slow & Sacred Advent by Jennifer Naraki, especially as a Charlotte Mason-inspired family. This downloadable PDF is full of hands-on activities and projects that create beautiful memories and really help us slow down and savor the season.

It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting your Advent journey or if you’re a seasoned veteran – it’s never too late to refocus your heart and mind on the true meaning of Christmas. Whether you choose a devotional, a historical fiction series, or a simple tradition like baking cookies together, find something that resonates with your family and creates a sense of anticipation and joy.

What are your favorite traditions and resources for December? Share your ideas in the comments below! Let’s inspire each other to create meaningful memories this holiday season.

And remember, you *can* do this! Embrace the joy, the chaos, and the beauty of homeschooling through December.

Ready to connect with other homeschooling families, find a mentor, or add a little sparkle to your days? Find a teacher in our community. Want to get out of the house? Join a Field Trip! Or, claim your Faculty profile to share your gifts with others. And of course, don’t forget to claim your Pathway Ready track, color a Benny, or paint a Crocky!