A Taste of Christmas School

When the holidays roll around, many homeschool families long for a slower, more intentional rhythm—one that allows room for connection, creativity, and rest. That’s exactly what Christmas School is all about: stepping away from your usual curriculum and immersing yourself in the wonder of the season.

Want to have a taste of Christmas School? Here are two sample activities from my Christmas School Guides that give you a peek into how you can weave meaningful learning into festive family moments. These gentle, story-based lessons invite you to make memories while still engaging your children’s natural curiosity and love of discovery.

Nothing captures the scent of Christmas quite like the warm aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This sensory nature study lets your children explore the spices that bring holiday baking to life.

Here’s how to do it:

• Read Sugar and Spice and Everything Mice by Annie Silvestro aloud (video read-aloud)

• Listen to the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast: Christmas Spices.

• Create a blind smell test with Christmas spices. Let your children study the spices by smelling, touching, and tasting them. Place each spice into a small jar or cup, and have them guess which is which!

• Record your findings in your Christmas Journal using the “Blind Smell Test” sheet

Supplies You’ll Need:

• Whole cinnamon sticks

• Whole cloves

• Whole ginger

• Whole nutmeg

• Four small jars or cups

Optional: Turn your home into a cozy Christmas haven by making a simmer pot! After your blind smell test, combine your spices in a pot of water, bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer for a few hours. Add more water as needed.

This activity helps children practice observation and classification—important scientific skills—while engaging their senses in a delightfully festive way.

Want a printable version of this sample activity? Download it here!

In many Scandinavian homes, “fika” is a beloved tradition—a moment to pause, enjoy a warm drink, and connect with loved ones. This week’s Nordic Christmas School activity brings that tradition to your homeschool.

Here’s how to do it:

Bake snickerdoodle cookies from your favorite recipe.

While you sip hot cocoa or tea and enjoy your snickerdoodle cookies, watch this cozy winter video together. Then, enjoy some conversation using these gentle prompts:

• What activities make you feel cozy?

• What are your favorite comfort foods and drinks?

• Do you have a hygge corner where you like to snuggle up?

• How can we make our home feel more warm and welcoming?

• What book or story makes you feel cozy?

Journaling Prompt: What is your favorite ornament and why? Describe it—and draw it if you like!

Art Connection: End your activity by creating marble art Christmas trees with this video tutorial by Party Create. Older children can design layered collages, while younger ones can keep it simple and colorful.

This blend of art, reflection, and connection embodies what Christmas School is all about— slowing down to savor learning, laughter, and love.

Want a printable version of this sample activity? Download it here!

Christmas School gives your homeschool permission to breathe. It’s not about keeping up with a checklist—it’s about pressing pause, soaking in the wonder of Advent, and remembering what really matters.

Each of my Christmas School Guides centers on a beloved story and offers a month of hands-on, heartwarming activities that combine literature, art, nature study, journaling, and family connection.

Whether you’re new to Bookish Adventure or already a fan of literature-based learning, these guides are the perfect way to infuse your December homeschool with joy and meaning.

Give your family a season of rest, wonder, and connection. Explore each Christmas School Guide: