Are you busy getting all of your Christmas gifts purchased? If so, you won't want to miss this list! Christmas gifts for your homeschooler that will free you from checking your list twice! What are Gifts that Pay for College? Kids want fun things that they are interesting to them. Parents want educated children without going broke or crazy. Colleges want “passion” and delight directed learning. Give gifts that will increase the fun factor in school,...

My assistant Robin is such a genius! Look at these ADORABLE homemade felt ornaments she created for her Christmas tree! Wouldn't they be awesome as a gift from a child, or to decorate your home with a classic Christmas feel?  Just download this pattern, cut out the colored felt, and stitch. Easy-peasy, cute-and-fun gifts!   "We have lots of little ones joining our family! Having some older siblings with adult children, I now have several great nieces and...

    Homeschooling is more fun for MANY reasons, but one reason it that we can play games instead of use curriculum.  Here are some great ideas you can give as Christmas gifts. Then in January you can incorporate games across all subject areas! In my homeschool, we scheduled a few hours every Friday just to play games. Sometimes they loved the games (Diplomacy!) and other times they tolerated the games (any Art game) but they...

Christmas Baking - Sweet Bread Gift Recipes I love giving sweet bread treats to our neighbors and friends, and bringing them as hostess gifts. These can be made in advance and frozen.  They travel well, too!  You can find wrapping suggestions from Martha Stewart Crafts and from Wilton available on Amazon.Pistachio Bread1 package yellow cake mix1 package pistachio pudding mix (3 oz.)4 eggs1/2 cup oil1 cup sour cream1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)1/8 cup water.Cinnamon-sugar mix: 3...

Candied Nuts, Cookies, and Crafts, Oh, My! This is a perfect recipe and makes your house smell DELICIOUS! These nuts are great for parties and gifting.Cinnamon Candied NutsIngredients1 lb nuts (pecans or almonds are good)1 large egg white1 Tbsp water1/2 tsp vanilla1 cup granulated sugar1 tsp cinnamon1/2 tsp saltInstructionsPreheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.In a large  bowl, vigorously mix egg white, water, and vanilla until very frothyIn a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, cinnamon,...

Relax and smell the peppermint mocha! Christmas is a great time to snuggle up with a warm beverage and read some classic literature. Christmastime is the perfect season for great literature.  Even during this frantic time, you can enjoy quality academics that don’t add to the craziness. During your busy season as a parent, pick a book or two for your family from my Christmas reading list. Encourage your teen to spend time relaxing with a...

My favorite Christmas school project was our yearly creative writing assignment based on Norman Rockwell art. Have you seen some of his holiday paintings?  Amazing creative holiday writing prompts! I asked my boys to choose any picture in Norman Rockwell's Christmas Book. Their assignment was to write a story behind the picture. They came up with some GREAT creative writing ideas, and the pictures really helped to get those creative juices flowing. This tradition of creative...

Christmas Baking - Gluten-Free Holiday Recipes Maybe you have friends that you'd like to gift a Christmas goodie to, but they are a gluten-free family?  Don't worry - I have you covered!  Check out these yummy recipes.Coconut Christmas Cookies1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut1/4 cup agave or honey2 tbsp virgin coconut oil1/2 tsp vanilla1/8 tsp saltChristmas décor or colorful candiesCombine everything but the décor in a food processor. Add candy decorations, candies, or chocolate chips. Press into...

You can save money on gifts for the holidays! Several great ways to save money on gifts included: buying things that are useful AND are things you will eventually need to buy anyway.  Buying gifts that improve your chances of receiving really great scholarships saves you money in the long run, too! Here are three HUGE ideas to help you save money on gifts this holiday season.  1. Buy Great Books  Many homeschoolers love great books...

As a homeschool family, you have the freedom to use the month of December for special activities related to the holiday season. I have put together a list of my favorite fun Christmas ideas for kids and entire families! I hope you enjoy them! Christmas ideas for kids of all ages: Instructions for 3D Paper SnowflakesI think a collection of these snowflakes would make for a wonderful and graphic kid-friendly display. Homemade Cinnamon OrnamentsWouldn’t these make...