Christmas School
One of my favorite lines in “O Holy Night” is “A thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices.” Every time I sing that line, I feel known by God. If many of us are honest, it is easy to feel weary after homeschooling for some time. My oldest is a senior this year, and we’re looking forward to graduation and all that comes with it. My youngest is two, and I have four more children in between, all school age. I’m reminded that I have years left in this homeschool journey. And, “weary” might be just the word for this season.
I’ve been in prayer for some time as to what to do. How do I fight back, spiritually? How do I mingle the education of my children and the ongoing spiritual battle that can sometimes wage war against us as homeschool mothers? One phrase kept coming to mind: Christmas School.
A time to slow things down. A time to bake, to sing, to savor a beautifully illustrated picture book, to craft—a time for the weary to rejoice. It is an opportunity to remember that education is really discipleship, that my children are a gift, and that God is still sanctifying me as I pour into their lives. What a reason for hope! What a reason to rejoice!
My children have been following along as I’ve planned each step. I’ve checked out dozens of Christmas books, striving to make careful choices. I’ve researched crafts and recipes and listened to countless versions of Christmas hymns. Christmas school officially starts next week in our home. We can feel the “thrill of hope” in the air.
Our rhythm will be simple—books, hymns, baking, and ornaments, God’s word.
Books. We will read beautiful, and at times whimsical, books. We will be rereading some favorites like The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson, and new-to-us books such as Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Warburg. I’ve been bringing out the quilts to our couch, and I’m ready for us to sink in and stay a while.
Hymns. We will sing, learn about the history of, and practice our handwriting using one selected Christmas hymn a week. Yes, including my favorite, “O Holy Night.” Hymns are such a beautiful way to teach children good theological truths. Music is powerful.
Baking and Ornaments. We will bake bread and deliver the loaves to our neighbors. We will craft, make ornaments, and add them to the tree. I anticipate that each year after this, as we unwrap these ornaments, they will be a testament to God’s faithfulness—how He was faithful to me during this season, and how He revealed Himself to my children as they dug into the beautiful truths of why we celebrate Christmas.
God’s Word. We will read God’s word, planning on all of Luke before Christmas, and spend more time in prayer. As I write these words, I cannot tell you the immense joy I feel knowing what is to come.
I cannot believe it has taken me so long to enjoy Christmas school with my children. I’m often amazed at what a gift it is to be the one to teach them, learning right along with them. I’d encourage you to lean into this season. Join me, and rejoice.