Homeschooling at Christmastime

It can be a little difficult to be motivated to get homeschooling done when there are cookies to be baked, gifts to be wrapped, etc. This year, I'm having the children research a country each day after their regular school work is done. They are learning about Christmas traditions all over the world, and we are picking a few of these to incorporate into our own Christmas this year. After a little research, they write a short report, and present it orally as we sit around the table after supper. This way, the entire family benefits!

Yesterday, Abigail did France, Collin did Australia, and Autumn did Sweden. Abigail would like for us to make a Yule log cake, Collin wants tropical flowers, (yea, right!), and Autumn would like us to leave birdseed out on Christmas eve to remind us of the animals in the manger with Jesus.

Mac, who is a junior in public school felt a little left out, and stood to tell us about Mexico. He gave his report in Spanish, while I translated. (All he said was that in Mexico, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, and it's about the birth of Jesus.) I told him that he could continue on doing research and get back to us with more information. He willingly agreed.

After reading at Beck's and Kelli's about St. Nicholas Day, we decided to partake in that celebration as well. The children woke to candy filled shoes this morning. As you can see, Autumn left her cowboy boots out in hopes of LOTS of candy!