5 Best Christmas Curriculums for your Homeschool

I’ve always had a bit of an uneasy relationship with Christmas. From over-the-top gift giving (a-hem… over-compensating?),  to feeling unsettled about the way we ‘celebrate’, and how un-biblical it is. That said, as of today, we still celebrate Christmas in a fairly Americanized way, with gifts, decorations, and a lot of hype.

It can be challenging to keep the main thing the MAIN THING during this ‘busy’ season, despite our best efforts. I have felt some major mom guilt in years passed, feeling as though I didn’t do enough to make Christmas about Jesus. 

However, as homeschoolers, we have the unique opportunity to replace our typical book-work or ‘school’ rhythms with what is most important as we lead up to Christmas.

I don’t believe that December 25th is the accurate day-of-birth of Jesus, and I’ve grappled with that over the years as well. However, I’ve concluded that instead of trying to fight against a holiday that brings us a lot of joy and togetherness, I’ll choose to take the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus, knowing that it wasn’t in December, but that He is well worth celebrating any day of the year.

I suggest deciding on a Christmas curriculum early in December so that you have time to prepare any supplies you may need, and don’t have to feel rushed through it. December seems to bring a lot of surprise gatherings and opportunities for outings, and it’s a gift to be able to say an unhurried ‘yes’ to those opportunities. That said, if you’re reading this mid-December, some of these options will still be workable for you! Work through what you’s like, and save the rest for next year. Remember, we’re all about refinement here, not perfection.

Here is a quick list of my top recommendations:

#1: A Connected Christmas – by Treehouse Schoolhouse

You can see the beauty in this photo alone, but this curriculum focuses on togetherness, and delighting in Him. It’s intended to be a 3 week study, and is available as a digital download which is so handy!

#2 In the Season of Christmas – by Campfire Curriculum

This Charlotte Mason inspired curriculum offers a unique perspective on a classic story. Exploring the beauty of our Saviour through the eyes of the Shepherds. This unit includes baking options, devotionals, games, and crafts to enjoy together. Available as a digital download.

#3 A Christmas Carol Novel Study – by Campfire Curriculum

This 10-lesson study would be a nice, laid-back way to settle into the holiday season with your middle-aged children. An engaging study without the fluff, leaving you lots of room for traditions, crafts, and time together spent exactly how you’d like.

#4: The First Christmas – by Gather ‘Round

This is an incredibly affordable option that encompasses the story of Jesus’s arrival, while braiding in many heart-felt moments of reflection, diving into the ways that Jesus brought Joy, Hope, Tenderness, and Comfort to the world then, and how we can still embrace that today. Again, available as a digital download!

Gather ‘Round has other Christmas unit’s to offer as well, I just don’t feel as drawn to them, so they haven’t made my list. Feel free to check them out and let me know what you think if you try them out!

#5: The Advent Guide – by Brighter Day Press

This 4 week Charlotte-Mason inspired guide includes a daily Bible reading plan, beautiful poetry, recipes, scripture memory, crafts, and idea’s for how to engage in your community during the Christmas season. If you’re looking for a deep, meaningful rhythm for your family for the month of December, this is a great option. Even if your kids attend school outside the home, this would be a great morning devotional to celebrate advent together.

Have other suggestions that you think should make the list? Let me know in the comments, or at refinementloft@gmail.com