Make Christmas Richer with Books, Experiences, and Service | Episode 292
As we inch toward Thanksgiving and Christmas, life begins to ramp up a bit. You might be wondering if you have to stick your usual homeschool routines amidst all the activity of the holidays.
In today’s episode, Carole talks with Sonya Manson about what their family of ten has done over the years of homeschooling during the holidays. Sonya shares how they focus on what matters most to their family. How do you adjust routines, create meaningful Advent traditions, select budget-friendly Christmas books, and cultivate an outward focus of service with your kids? You’re sure to have some nuggets of inspiration after listening to this episode from the archive!
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- How shifting the pace during Advent helps families focus on connection instead of stress
- Simple Christmas traditions that build a deep sense of belonging, from wrapped books to slow decorating
- Practical ways to weave devotionals, music, and storytelling into December learning
- The value of turning Christmas outward through thoughtful service and giving
- Why choosing experiences over presents can strengthen family culture and ease holiday pressure
- How staying centered on long-term vision keeps Christmas—and homeschooling—peaceful and meaningful
Holiday Books Mentioned in this Episode:
- Christmas in My Heart by Joe Wheeler
- The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones
- One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham
- Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
- Jotham’s Journey, Bartholomew’s Passage, and Tabitha’s Travels (the Jotham’s Journey series)
- Watch for the Light (a collection of Advent readings)
- Hallelujah: Cultivating Advent Traditions with Handel’s Messiah by Cindy Rollins
- Handel’s Messiah Family Advent Reader by Donna W. Payne
- Papa Panov’s Special Day (referenced as a traditional Christmas story)
- Take Joy! The Tasha Tudor Christmas Book (mentioned as a Christmas hymns book by Tasha Tudor)
Episodes featuring favorite Christmas books:
- Treasured Christmas Books | Episode 38
- Carole’s Christmas Stack | Episode 92
- A Christmas Read Aloud with Carole Joy Seid: Papa Panov’s Special Day | Episode 192
Resources
+ Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here
+ Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.
+ Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!
+ Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!
Connect
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