Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. I vividly remember the excitement slowly building after December 1, reaching a crescendo of anticipation on Christmas Eve. And then, of course, the glory of Christmas morning with presents under the tree, Christ in the manger, family all around, and the expectation of 12 celebratory days to follow culminating in Epiphany.
As an adult, and now a mother myself, Christmas is a somewhat different experience. I am now the architect of Christmas magic rather than its recipient. I sometimes long for that easy, uninhibited joy of Christmas as a child; but at the same time, there’s something special about recreating that magic for someone else. As I hang garland over every available surface, bake my sixth batch of Christmas cookies, and trim the tree with homemade bows, I get a tiny glimpse of what it’s like to bless others as God blesses us.
For us humans, however, Christmas magic requires elbow grease. And planning. So much planning. We’re expert planners here at HSLDA Online Academy, and love to make things just a little bit easier for our families. Below is a list of activities you can do during Christmas break to encourage simple family fun and help create that glorious Christmas magic.
1. Advent Word Study and Family Discussion
Christians refer to the days preceding Christmas as “Advent.” What does “Advent” mean? Why is it used to describe this time of year? Try discussing this word and its meaning as a family.
2. The Science of Snowflakes
Snowflakes are wonderful examples of God’s originality. These intricate structures follow well-ordered plans and physical laws. Research snowflakes and then make paper snowflakes that look similar.
3. Christmas-ize the Ordinary
Want to creatively challenge your family? Find an ordinary object (a lawn chair, a lamp, or something else around the house) and turn it into a Christmas decoration!
4. Play Christmas Mad Libs
If Christmas Mad Libs aren’t part of your December routine, it’s time to change that. Explore how (1) grammar really does matter and (2) it really can be fun. Even better: write your own family Mad Lib!
5. How Tall is Your Christmas Tree?
Measuring skills matter—especially when traditions include fitting a huge tree into your living room! Guess how tall your tree is. How can you measure it without using a tape measure?
6. Design Your Own Gingerbread House
Design the layout yourself (without a pre-made blueprint!) and put it together to see if your architecture plans worked. See math come alive! (But if the frustration starts getting to you, check out this website.)
7. Around the World Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Conduct a virtual scavenger hunt. The goal? Discover how Christmas is celebrated in other countries and cultures! Prepare a fun presentation or activity based on your findings. Maybe your discoveries will inspire new family traditions.
8. Dig Deeper into the Christmas Story
Read Matt. 1-2, Luke 1-2, John 1:1-18, Isaiah 53, and Malachi 4:5-6, all of which address the coming Messiah. Compare and discuss the differences and similarities. Are there other Scripture passages which follow this pattern?
9. Make Hot Chocolate Bombs
Flex your chemistry and multi-tasking skills by mixing up some hot chocolate bombs. Add red and green icing for festive flair. Make extra for delicious homemade gifts. 
10. Read and Discuss Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Here are some family discussion questions to get you started:
What does A Christmas Carol suggest about redemption and reconciliation?
Do you think A Christmas Carol impacted how we celebrate Christmas? Why or why not?
What is Dickens proposing with the following quote? “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”
(Or if Dickens isn’t your thing, check out Lillie’s recent post on book recommendations while traveling.)
11. Identify the Christmas Trees
Not all Christmas trees are the same. Research the different types of evergreens, and then go to a tree farm so you can see them up close.
12. A Christmas Cookie Bake-Off
Channel The Great British Baking Show and hold a cookie bake-off. It’s a fun way to exercise creativity as a family while enjoying delicious results. Join with friends to swap Christmas treats.
Looking for more Christmas content? Download HSLDA’s gift guide for teens!
