by Julie A. Wein

Created on: August 01, 2011

When home-schooling a child, it is important that they are stimulated both intellectually and creatively. For most people who celebrate it, Christmas is the biggest holiday of the year. It provides a great opportunity for homeschooled children to engage in fun, educational activities that will help shape who they are and make them appreciate the joy of the Christmas season.

One project for a home-schooled child would be to research the history of Christmas, including its origins, and how people of different countries and cultures celebrate it. This will expose the child to facts he or she never knew before and may serve to teach them what Christmas is all about, and just as important, what Christmas is NOT about. The child could write a report on their findings about the holiday and share it with family members.

Another project for a home-schooled child would be to make Christmas cards for underpriveledged families, sick children, etc. This stimulates their creativity, gives them the chance to express themselves artistically and also allows them to help brighten the holiday for those who may not have the means to celebrate it. With such simple supplies as colored construction paper, markers, glue, glitter, and a pair of scissors or roll of scotch tape, the child can create Christmas cards that can be delivered to hospitals, nursing homes, etc. Spreading the joys of the Christmas season will teach the child compassion for others.

Going door-to-door singing Christmas carols is another activity that a home-schooled child could do for Christmas. This allows them to experience the pure joy of singing, and may brighten the day of friends, family, or neighbors. If they can have friends or other home-schooled children join them, every can share in the joy of the holiday together.

Another project would be to bake Christmas cookies with the homeschooled child. This teaches them baking skills and allows them to have fun at the same time. Parents can help the child make the cookie dough, provide them with Christmas themed cookie cutters and, along with decorations such as sprinkles, icing, chocolate chips and many more, the child can create festive holiday cookies for everyone to enjoy. Christmas cookies also make a good gift for that friend or family member that has a sweet tooth, but isn't a baker.

Many organizations such as the Salvation Army sponsor and Angel tree during the Christmas season. A homes-chooled child could go to the store with their parent, pick an angel off the tree, which will list an underpriveledged child's name and age, as well as a few gift suggestions. Then the child and the parent can pick out a gift for the underpriveledged child. This is a wonderful way to teach any child the spirit of giving. And after all, that is what Christmas is all about.

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