How to Gently Shift Your Rhythm for the Holidays

When the twinkle lights come out and the calendar fills up, it can be hard to keep homeschooling feeling calm and connected. The good news? You don’t have to choose between learning and making memories. A gentle shift in your rhythm can make all the difference.

If you’ve purchased (or are planning to try) one of the Bookish Christmas School Guides, this post will walk you through how to prepare—so you can actually relax and enjoy Christmas School alongside your children.

Each guide is intentionally designed for togetherness, not teacher mode. Think cozy reading, creative projects, and meaningful connection—not the feeling of being your family’s cruise director.

A little bit of prep now will save you so much stress later. Here’s how to set yourself up for a peaceful, joy-filled December.

Start by downloading your Bookish Christmas School Guide. You can print it out or load it onto your tablet for easy access.

Once it’s ready, pop on a holiday movie for your kids, pour yourself a hot beverage, and spend a few quiet moments reading through the front matter and the rest of the guide.

Remember: you’re in charge of your homeschool.

Note any adjustments you’d like to make—whether it’s skipping an activity, swapping a recipe, or adding your own traditions. The goal is to make Christmas School fit your family’s rhythm, not the other way around.

Print out any materials your family will use—copywork pages, recipes, activities, or journal prompts.

You can print everything at once or go week by week if that feels more manageable.

Take a look at both your family calendar and the weekly overview in your guide.

My guides are designed for four-day weeks, leaving space for real life—holiday concerts, Nutcracker outings, baking days, or cozy movie afternoons.

Mark down when you’ll do each day’s activities and shift things around as needed.

Request or buy your picture books and novels ahead of time. Library holds can take a while during the holidays, so the earlier you can get on the list, the better.

You might even display your Christmas School books in a basket by the tree to make storytime extra special.

Review your supply list and check off what you already have on hand.

For anything missing:

• Add it to your next grocery pickup or delivery order, or

• Make a note in your planner to grab supplies the Friday before each new week begins.

This small habit keeps Christmas School running smoothly without any last-minute scrambles.

Set aside a designated space for your materials—like a shelf, basket, or even a simple cardboard box tucked in a closet.

Keep your guide, books, and supplies together so you can easily pull them out each day.

A little organization now means more peace later.

To make it even easier, I’ve created a printable checklist that walks you through each of these steps—so you can check things off, sip your cocoa, and feel ready for a restful, meaningful season.

👉 [Download the Holiday Prep Checklist] 

Print it, hang it on your fridge, or tuck it in your homeschool planner for quick reference.

If you’re craving a homeschool rhythm that feels magical, meaningful, and peaceful this December, you’ll love our Bookish Christmas School Guides.

Each guide is built around a beautiful, story-rich book and includes:

• 3 weeks of gentle, literature-based activities

• Hands-on projects, poetry, and recipes inspired by the story

• Book lists, crafts, and conversation ideas to make the season shine

• Designed for connection—not busywork

🎄 Explore our Christmas School options and find the perfect fit for your family:

👉 Browse the Christmas School Guides

Make this December one to remember—filled with cozy learning, family laughter, and stories that point to wonder.