What I Read and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll December 2025

 What I Read:

Giving Your Words by Sally and Clay Clarkson

This book is AMAZING!  If you're looking for a more natural way to disciple your children, Giving Your Words is a treasure trove.  I have so many notes from this book.  This is a really great one for any season of parenting, whether new parents or parents of teens and young adults.

Christian Heroes: Jacob Decayer

by Janet and Geoff Being

Jacob Deshazer had no idea where his life was going to go when he joined the army.  But after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, there was no turning back.  When several problems arise with his plane, Deshazer is forced to parachute into Communist China and hope for the best.  Unfortunately, he finds himself as a POW and ends up spending 40 months in captivity.  Through grueling hardship, lack of medical care and nutrition, emotional torture, and days of hopelessness, Deshazer is finally exposed to the gospel which infuses him with the strength to go on.  Once released to go home, Jacob Deshazer finds himself with a heart for the Japanese people and later returns with his wife as missionaries.  This is a beautiful story of survival, hope, and forgiveness.

Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst

What if our food choices were about more than just fitting into a pair of skinny jeans?  What if it was really about dedicating our healthy to the glory of God?  These are the questions behind Terkeurst's Made to Crave book, as she explores the idea of food and how it relates to our relationship with God.  This was an interesting choice for me to pick up in December, when poor choices abound.  But I wanted to read it before January hit as a preemptive move.  It got me thinking about how we use food to numb out our emotions, just like many other drugs.  And how making good choices can actually require us to lean into God's strength and purposes in our lives.  This book goes well beyond the typical health and nutrition, inviting the reader to find a deeper motivation for weight loss.

Our Homeschool Read-Alouds:

The Light at Tern Rock by Julia L. Sauer

Ronnie and his Aunt Martha agree to take care of a lonely lighthouse while the keeper spends a few days with family.  But as Christmas looms, the keeper doesn't return, leaving Ronnie and Martha with a difficult decision: make the most of the holiday on Tern Rock or leave the lighthouse deserted?  This book is a quick read, but a strong lesson in forgiveness, understanding, and the true blessing of togetherness.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

This was a re-read for us.  I love reading this one at Christmas and it's definitely become a family tradition.  I can see myself reading this one at Christmas, even after the kids have graduated.

The Turning by Gloria Whelan

This is the fourth and final book in the Angel on the Square series that we started reading in October.  This book takes us up to the early 1990's, and the continued crumbling of the Soviet Union.  We've loved this series from start to finish and can't recommend it highly enough.

What are you reading?

Top Five Read Alouds of 2025

A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus

It's 1940, and William, Edmund, and Anna's grandmother has died.  Although the children are prepared financially, suitable guardians are in short supply, and the children are sent from London to live in the countryside.  Tossed from one home to another, the children remain close and always on the lookout for a real family.  But can they find such a place in the throws of WWII?

NeverMoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

Morrigan Crow is cursed.  A child born on Eventide, Morrigan is blamed for every small inconvenience... from hailstones to heart attacks.  On the eve of her 11th birthday, the day in which all Eventide children die, Morrigan is whisked away to NeverMoor by a remarkable benefactor, Jupiter North.  There she is trained to compete in the Wonderous Society trials, still trying to discover what makes her special.  Can she still in Nevermoor indefinitely and avoid the Eventide curse?  Or will she bring her cured nature with her and be driven out of the only safe place she's ever know?

The Cricket War by Tho Pham & Sandra McTavish

This book follows 12-year-old Tho Pham as he flees communism in 1980's Vietnam.  An unexpected journey involving pirates, a refugee camp, and eventually arriving in Canada, Tho learns about courage, resilience, and the true meaning of home.

Half-Magic (Tales of Magic series) by Edward Eager

Curious Jane reaches down and discovers a strange coin on the sidewalk.  Without thinking, she makes a wish and it comes true... but only in half.  What started out as a boring summer, soon turn into the summer of a lifetime for Jane and her siblings.  From one adventure to another, the group discovers the unexpected thrills, and consequences, of hasty wishes.  Witten with a funny and gentle style, the Tales of Magic series provide lots of laughs, escapades, and a true sense of family.

The Angel on the Square (Russian Saga series) by Gloria Whelan

Set during the fall of 1914, The Angel on the Square focuses on young Katya living in St. Petersburg.  Her mother is a lady in waiting to Empress Alexandra when the revolutionaries force the royal family out of the city.  All four books are set in Russia and cover the time period from WWI to the fall of Communism.  This series is an incredible look at one family's courage, hope, and will to survive.

Which one will you read first?

Top Ten Posts of 2025

As 2025 is coming to a close, I want to thank you for all your support and encouragement.  It means a lot to me that you take the time to read my thoughts and musings.  I thought I'd compile a list of the most-read posts from 2025.  As well as a few of my personal favorites.  :-) Maybe you missed a few of these when they were first published and would like to read them between the week of Christmas and New Years.  I pray that Creative2xmom continues to inspire you as much as you inspire me.  Enjoy!

#10--Pros and Cons of Dual Enrollment in High School

#9--Five Ways to Add Fun to Your Homeschool Day

#8--Teaching Social Skills to Your Homeschooled Preschooler

#7-- Ten Things We Don't Do In Our Homeschool

#6-- Twelfth Grade Homeschool Curriculum Picks ll 2025-26

#5-- Ten Cozy Autumn Homeschooling Ideas

#4-- Maple Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls ll Pinterest Inspired

#3--The Influence of Books On Our Kids

#2--Carmel Apple Cheesecake Bars

#1-- Fall Hospitality

And a few of my personal favorites:

Top Ten Winter Field Trips

What is Gameschooling?

The What's and Why's of the Morning Basket

Simple Ways to Inspire a Love of Reading in Your Kids

Top Five Reading Resources ll Homeschooling on a Budget

January Homeschool Ideas and Fun Days

 *This post was originally published on 12/31/18.  Enjoy!

 Looking for ways to add some fun to your homeschool?  Here are just a few of the holidays and fun days you can celebrate this month:

January 1st--New Year's Day

Help your kids set goals for the new year with any of these goal charts:

Setting several overall goals
Specific steps for reaching 3 big goals
Goal setting punch card
Self Evaluation and Goal Setting tracker

January 5th--National Bird Day

Learn more about the birds in your area and add some bird watching to your nature study.

Resources for a Bird Themed Unit Study
Homemade Bird Feeders
Bird Nest Cookies
US State Birds Art Pack

January 7th--Old Rock Day

Find a flat rock, paint it with some inspirational artwork, and hide it for someone to find.

January 15th--National Hat Day

Craft a Hat for Poetry Tea Time
Complete a Hat Words Word Search
Research hats in a given time period

January 20th--Penguin Awareness Day

Read Mr. Popper's Penguins.
Complete a Unit Study with the book.
Do a Penguin Craft.
Roll and Draw a Penguin.

January 21st--Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Help your children write down their dreams.
Read Who was Martin Luther King Jr.
Break open a white and brown egg to show they are the same on the inside.

January 23rd--National Handwriting Day

Brush up o your cursive.
Learn a new bullet journal font.
Practice some calligraphy.

January 31st--Inspire Your Heart with Art Day

Study an artist in a given time period.
Take a pastel chalk art lesson
Create fingerprint art.
Practice with Art for Kids Hub on Youtube.

How are you celebrating in January?

Weekend Links ll December 19, 2025

 

Christmas Decorations Scavenger Hunt

Nutcracker Ballet Unit Study

5 Household Tasks to Accomplish Before the Holidays

Christmas Around the World Kids Cookbook

Christmas Unit Study

Winter Reading List ll 2025

 Nonfiction:

Don't Stop Praying by Matthew West

Raising Gender Confident Kids by Kathy Koch & Jeff Myers

Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst

Christian Heroes: Helen Roseveare

by Janet & Geoff Benge

Fiction:

Carry On, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse

Anne's House of Dreams by L.M. Montgomery

Anne of Ingelside by L.M. Montgomery

Magnitude by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Read Alouds:

Listening for Lions by Gloria Whelan

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements

Turtles of the Midnight Moon by Maria Jose Fitzgerald

Which One Would You Read First?

Our Simple Christmas: What We Do and Don't Do

 *This post was originally posted on 12/4/13.  Enjoy!

With Christmas fast approaching, it's easy to get wrapped up in all the details of the holiday.  But for all the emphasis we put on one day, it can easily become stressful.  So in an attempt to focus on the reason for our celebration, our family tries to simplify both in what we do and in our expectations.  Here's what we do and don't do:

Do:
We try really hard to focus on experiences during this season so our time can seem busy.  But for our family, spending time has more significance than spending money.

*Christmas Parade--This Christmas Parade takes a significant amount of planning from Mom, but it's one of those experiences that anchors us from year to year.  Planning a sack dinner, loading up numerable layers of clothing, and filling thermoses with hot chocolate, our evening pulls us together in the lights and sounds of the season.

*Experience Advent Calendar--Each year we do an Advent calendar, filled with experiences for us to enjoy as a family.  Some things are more elaborate like making it to the Christmas parade, while others are as simple as having a pancake and hot chocolate dinner.  I keep this list so it's one of those experiences that can flex as mom needs it to.  But it also reminds me of some of the small things we like to do at this time of year.

*Bake cookies--I know.  This one can get out of hand.  That's why we've narrowed it down to our three favorite cookie recipes and just make giant batches of those.  If I find I have time to do more later on, great.  Otherwise, we focus on our three favorites and never feel like we're missing out.

*Buy simply and thoughtfully--Just a few things for each kid, something that will foster their imagination and help further their intellect.  I try to find gifts that straddle between fun and educational and think of each of their personalities in mind.  Just a few things to not overwhelm them, or our limited space.

*Do a Book Advent--We love books so I do a book advent each year and we open one a night through the month of December.  Some come from our collection while others come from the library and it's a new adventure each night.

*Cut down our own tree--We make a day of it.  Combine a snow trip with a Christmas tree trip.  We make lots of memories, sled, and build snowmen.  This is also a great opportunity to spend time with cousins and other family.

Don't:

*Elf on the Shelf--Our family doesn't do Santa so the Elf seemed a little pointless.  However, I will admit I do feel a little prick in my spirit when I see all the cute ideas you moms come up with as these little elves run amuck.  Just doesn't fit our family culture so I don't make the time for it.

*Buy presents for each other--My husband and I haven't exchanged gifts in years.  We don't buy for each other at Christmas or on our birthdays and instead opt to do an overnight trip on our anniversary.

*Buy many gifts--I love crafting anyways so we just pick out a few gifts for each kid and then I supplement with a few small things that I've crafted for them.

*Buy outside our family--We have tossed around the idea of buying for our siblings this year, but in the past, we haven't bought for anyone other than our kids and parents.  If we do exchange gifts with our siblings this year, I've been collecting ideas for jar mixes, homemade kitchen items, and homemade gifts.

*Every dish and dessert--I grew up in a house where the Christmas table was overflowing.  Every dish and dessert was available during the holidays.  But with three little ones in the house and a very limited budget, it's just not realistic.  Nor is it healthy.  So we've narrowed it down to our favorite dishes, those that really say "Christmas" to my husband and I.  And we're starting our new holiday traditions.

These are just some of the ways we're keeping our simple Christmas.  How do you try to celebrate without going crazy?

Weekend Links ll December 12, 2025

 

Christmas Symbols Lapbook

Christmas Handicrafts for Kids

Snow Unit Study

Felt Christmas Tree for Kids

Games to Play for the Holidays

10 Christmas Break Tasks for the Homeschool Mom

*This post was originally published on 12/21/23.  Enjoy!

 Christmas Break starts for us tomorrow, and I'm ready!  I MIGHT be more ready than the kids.  😀 The past week has found us starting school in our jammies (a big No-No since we started this journey 12+ years ago) and Mom just barely squeaking by.

It's definitely time!

However, I know that taking some time over the next couple of weeks to work through my prep list is going to carry us a long way into the spring semester.  Finding ways to balance relaxation and preparation will ensure that our 2024 starts off strong!

Finish Grading

    I have a tendency to think that I can just put the last few items aside and I'll remember to get to them later.  Don't do it!  Take an hour or two to get them done right away and really wrap up the first semester.  While you're at it, update any transcripts or course descriptions that you're tracking for your high schoolers.   This will get everything tidied up, so you're not trying to remember the details in the rush of second semester.

Clear out first semester items

    Did your student complete any one-semester subjects?  Are you transitioning into the second textbook of the course?  Clear off those homeschool shelves of items you won't need in January.  File away any paper or books that you need to hold onto, and get ready to sell the items that will be leaving your home.

Inventory supplies

    Take note of any supplies you're running low on.  I tended to never have enough graph paper, fat erasers, or fun writing utensils.  Think about any projects you have coming up early in the second semester.  Look over Jan/February's lesson plans and see if you need any odd items like clay or mini brads.  Make a list while you have a few minutes.

Order Needed Items

    Order those items so that they come over break and can easily be organized and put away.  It may be tempting to think that you have plenty of time.  You don't!  Order them now so that those last-minute projects don't get pushed to the side.  Also order any supplemental material you'll need for your coursework... textbooks, chapter books, extra support items.

Order Library Books

    I like to order as many of our school books from the library as I possibly can.  This helps keep our costs down while still exposing my kids to the world around them.  In order to do this, I typically request our books 3-4 weeks ahead of our curriculum.  The second week of break, I'll start to order books we need in the coming month so they're ready for pick up a week or two early.  

Tentatively Plan Field Trips

    Our field trip options have been sparse in the last couple of years, so I'm trying to fill in more during 2023-24.  So I'm spending part of my Christmas break surveying other homeschool moms, researching options, checking costs, and penciling field trips into my calendar.  All this will make booking easier come January.  And then if I need to change my dates, I can, but I'll have all the details in my planner.

Deep Clean ONE Room

    Balancing homeschooling and housework is quite a challenge.  So I'm choosing ONE room to deep clean while I have a free schedule.  The kitchen can certainly use it after the holidays, but maybe the bathrooms would be better.  Either way, I'm pushing for a DEEP clean that will carry us into the spring semester.

Fill In Calendar Items

    Is your homeschool calendar changing in the new year?  Are your kids taking any new classes?  Have any of their activities changed?  Double-check your calendar and make any new changes while you're not being rushed.  

Plan a Date Night

    This is also a great time to reconnect with your spouse.  Plan some time together, basking in the season and reflecting on the past year.  Reconnect and share goals for the upcoming year.  Whether a full on date night, or a quick lunch, plan to spend some time together.

Choose ONE Creative Project

    It can be tempting to work, work, work for the full two weeks and not take a minute to relax and recharge.  With that in mind, be sure to build in some creative time over the next few weeks to refill your cup so you don't walk into the new year burned out.  Grab a light book to read or spend some time working on an enjoyable hobby.  You'll be surprised how much progress you make and how good you feel going into 2024.

Most important of all, remember to rest, relax, and reconnect.  Play a board game, bake some cookies, and play in the snow.  Laugh with your kids, remind them how much you love them, and take time to hear their hearts.  Enjoy each other!

What Homeschool Tasks are on YOUR To-Do List?

Weekend Links ll December 5, 2025

 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas Unit Study

Free Advent Devotionals for Children

Nativity Study for the Family

Easy Homemade Christmas Ornaments

13 Ways to Teach Holiday Social Skills to Kids & Teens

Christmas Morning Basket ll Middle and High School

 It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!  Busiest??? Yes!  But absolutely wonderful.  December is here, and with it, all the joys of the season as we turn indoors and cozy up with the family.  

This year, instead of going all in on Christmas school like we've done in the past, I'm simplifying and focusing on adding Christmas elements to our Morning Basket. With two in high school, I still wanted to add some holiday cheer, but felt like we needed to be consistent with our regular classes.  Our Christmas learning is a little lighter, but just right for our season. We're adding in a new Bible study and revisiting some of our favorite traditions.  

\

*Morning Basket--

--Christmas Devotional--  This year, we're going through Good Morning Girls Free Advent Study.  I found that this study has just enough to make it suitable for my teenagers, but not so much as to be overwhelming with all our other holiday activities.  And it uses the SOAP method that I've wanted to teach my kids for a while.  It seemed like a good way to combine the two.

--Christmas Scripture Reading-- We'll also be reading a short passage of Scripture each day as we work our way through the Christmas story.  I'll be using the selections found here.

--Christmas Book Advent--  Over the years, I've collected numerous Christmas picture books, and we've discovered many we like from our library.  In our picture book advent, we'll read one a day, revisiting both meaningful and nostalgic stories that we've loved over the years.

--All Creation Waits Nature Reading-- This is a new read for us.  I know there are studies to go along with this nature book, but for this year, we're just reading through the book.  Each day, we'll read about one animal and how it survives the harsh reality of winter.  

*Read Alouds--

I have two read alouds that we'll be read from for sure and possibly a third. We've read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever multiple Decembers in a row.  And this year, I'll be introducing The Light at Tern Rock.  Although this story is really suitable for a younger audience, I wanted to read it with my kiddos at least once in their time at home.

The Light at Tern Rock by Julia L. Sauer

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

*Handicrafts--

--Tree Ornament Project-- For our handicraft this year, I had my husband cut off a few rounds when he trimmed the Christmas tree.  I found a few examples on pinterest, and we'll be painting our rounds with Christmas scenes.  Later, we'll gift them as Christmas ornaments.  We did a similar project a few years ago when we did our reindeer unit, and it's really an inexpensive way to make a fun keepsake or present..

Do you celebrate with Christmas schooling?

What resources are you checking out this year?

Christmas and Advent Traditions

*This post was originally published on 12/15/17.  Enjoy!

Today I'm sharing some of our favorite Christmas traditions... both the ones that glue us together as a family, and those that point us back to the reason for the season!

A Catholic Mom's Life:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBPwe61hWru6AN8ZzyY-KwA

Our Top 5 Christian Christmas Books:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozCVubgKY9Y

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧9 yrs, and 👱 6 yrs.

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Music Attribution:

We Wish You A Merry Christmas by E's Jammy Jams

What I Read and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll November 2025

 

Hosting the Presence by Bill Johnson

Christians believe that when they are saved, they receive the Holy Spirit.  So what do we mean when we say filled with the Spirit?  How can one be more filled than another?  Bill Johnson explores what it means to be filled and why some Christians walk in the miraculous.  He teaches his readers to be someone the Holy Spirit would desire to rest on, and how to pay attention to and respond to Him.  This was an interesting book to wrestle with.  At times, I wholeheartedly agreed with Johnson.  Other times, I felt that he was greatly reaching to make a point.  I'm not really sure how I feel about this book.  I wouldn't recommend it for a new believer.  But if you're someone who's been following the Lord for a while, and want to know more about revival culture, this would be a good place to start.

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Carley Connors has always only had her mom to depend on.  But when her new stepfather lands them both in the hospital, she begins to question the only relationship that felt solid.  Moving in with a foster family, the Murphys, Carley sees what it would be like to live a more stable life.  As time goes on, she hopes to find a place in this new family.  As a former foster mom, I've had this book on my reading list for a while.  One for the Murphys is a gentle introduction to the hard topic of foster care and finding a family.  However, it is an honest look into the fact that family life isn't always pretty.  Knowing a few adopted kiddos, I would recommend this book with caution.  It could easily bring up some hard memories, and parents should be available for discussion.

C.S. Lewis: Christian Heroes Then and Now

by Janet & Geoff Benge

We love the Chronicles of Narnia series so this was a good chance to learn more about the author.  C.S. Lewis' life was one full of ups and downs.  While he's well known for the Narnia books, there was so much to his life, writings, and journey with the Lord.  It was a life marked with success and tragedy, and deep fullfilling relationships.  I think the thing that marked me most was Lewis' resilience in the face of an unknown future.  He lived during an tumultuous time in history and still retained a sense of choosing right and loving those around him.  A great read for Lewis' fans.

10 Gifts of Wisdom by Sally Clarkson

Sally Clarkson is always such an inspiration for parents.  This quick read covers 10+ gifts we can give to our kids as we raise them.  These gifts include hospitality, relationships, and reading.  Focused on character training, 10 Gifts of Wisdom is filled with personal examples and practical advice in raising individuals with character.  Great for parents of any schooling type, this book is a short read, but deep and rich.  Would make a great a gift for new parents.

Anne of Windy Poplars by L.M. Montgomery

I'm still continuing in the Anne series.  My daughter calls this one "the book of letters."  Windy Poplars covers the three years that Anne and Gilbert are separated while she's teaching and he's pursuing becoming a doctor.  The story follows all the crazy antics and relationships that Anne gets involved in and is broken up by letters to her beloved Gilbert.  Absolutely hilarious.  I'm reminded just how silly and life can be.

Our Homeschool Read Alouds:

A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck

This is an annual read for us.  The third in the Mrs. Dowdel series, A Season of Gifts is my favorite.  It follows the new pastor's family and how they're settling into a small town, living next down to the town's most well-known character.  Mrs. Dowdel "don't neighbor" and yet finds herself giving gifts to this family, just not the type found under the tree.  This has quickly become my favorite Christmas read aloud.

The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson

Hobo Armand is happy and content with life.  Until he finds himself unofficially adopted by the Calcet children... and from then on, his whole life is turned upside down.  As their new "grandfather," Armand helps them find a safe place for their family and does his best to create happy times for the kids.  It's a story of kindness, magic, and finding family where we least expect it.

What are you reading?