December is a jam-packed month already with tons of fun activities. How do you handle them all? My pro-tip is to make all the fun holiday activities your school and drop most (or all) of the other subjects for a month of organic learning together. Our nature study, liturgical living, food, books, and learning ideas will get you started for a month of family learning fun.

Nature Study In December

Brrr. Cold weather is settling in and animals are burrowing down for their winter nap. This month’s nature study is about getting warm and cozy and all the plant life that comes with the Christmas season. Fortunately you can bring it inside to study!

Girl Dressed as St. Lucia

Faith Themes In The Month of December

Advent continues as we prepare our hearts and homes for the Christmas season. Don’t miss some of the wonderful feasts that happen this month to add variety to our seasonal celebrations. And remember — Christmas starts on December 25 — you have plenty of time for your celebrations. No need to pack it all in before then!

  • Advent continues
  • St. Nicholas Day (6) – The St. Nicholas Center has a TON of resources for celebrating.
  • Immaculate Conception (8)
  • Our Lady of Guadalupe (12) and St. Juan Diego (9) – Find out more here.  Mexican food is perfect for either of these feast days!
  • St. Lucia (13) — Our simple celebrations often included a paper candle wreath and canned cinnamon rolls! (see photo)
  • First Day of Christmas (25)
  • Feast of the Holy Innocents (28) – Learn the “Coventry Carol.” 

Food And Family Themes In December

I kept this category light because there is so much food this month. Check out the loaded french fries recipe for Bacon Day on the 30th. My kids love it and it is a welcome change from the traditional holiday fare on our tables this month.

Books Perfect For December Learning

The holiday season does not lack a variety of books. Maybe some of our favorites below are different than the ones your family enjoys.

This Is the StableThis Is the StablePolar Express 30th anniversary editionPolar Express 30th anniversary editionNine Days to Christmas: A Story of Mexico (English Edition)Nine Days to Christmas: A Story of Mexico (English Edition)MooseltoeMooseltoeThe Night of Las Posadas (Picture Puffin Books)The Night of Las Posadas (Picture Puffin Books)Saint Nicholas and the Nine Gold CoinsSaint Nicholas and the Nine Gold CoinsThe Nutcracker Comes to America: How Three Ballet-Loving Brothers Created a Holiday TraditionThe Nutcracker Comes to America: How Three Ballet-Loving Brothers Created a Holiday TraditionThe NutcrackerThe NutcrackerThe Christmas Day KittenThe Christmas Day KittenThe Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalachian Story (Picture Puffin Books)The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalachian Story (Picture Puffin Books)The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan ToomeyThe Christmas Miracle of Jonathan ToomeyThe Mitten Hardcover – IllustratedThe Mitten Hardcover – IllustratedVoices of Pearl Harbor (Voices of History)Voices of Pearl Harbor (Voices of History)The Legend of the PoinsettiaThe Legend of the PoinsettiaOver and Under the SnowOver and Under the SnowThe Legend of the Candy Cane: The Inspirational Story of Our Favorite Christmas CandyThe Legend of the Candy Cane: The Inspirational Story of Our Favorite Christmas CandyLion and the MouseLion and the Mouse

December Field Trips For Your Homeschool Study

December is the month for performances so be sure to take the time to schedule in a performance or two that you might not normally be able to find. Sometimes there are school shows that homeschoolers can participate in.

  • Go pick out a Christmas tree!
  • There are so many performances during the month of December. See an orchestra or choral show or a ballet. It is the perfect time of year!
  • Visit the elderly taking small thoughtful gift boxes or sing carols, recite poems, or play an instrument.

Crafts And Activities For December Learning

There are just so many different learning and craft activities this month that happen naturally with the season, that I hesitated to add more. Here are few that maybe you hadn’t thought of along with some you probably have.

More Monthly Themes

Want more monthly themes for your homeschool? Check out these other posts!