Classical Learning at Home: Tips and Activities for the Christmas Break
The Christmas season is a wonderful time for families to slow down, reconnect, and celebrate cherished traditions. For parents looking to incorporate meaningful, classical learning experiences over the break, we’ve curated a list of engaging tips and activities that balance joy, education, and quality family time. Whether you’re diving into timeless literature or weaving learning into holiday traditions, these ideas are perfect for classical learners of all ages.
1. Enjoy Timeless Christmas Literature Together
Reading aloud is one of the most enriching ways to spend time as a family. Classical stories not only spark imagination but also reinforce virtues, history, and language skills. Here are a few timeless short stories and books that make for beautiful family reading during Christmas:
"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens – This classic tale teaches generosity, kindness, and redemption. Reading the story aloud as a family is a perfect tradition to cultivate both storytelling and deep discussions about morality.
"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry – A short and moving story of selflessness and love. After reading, reflect as a family on the theme of sacrificial giving.
"The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" by E.T.A. Hoffmann – Introduce children to the magical tale that inspired the beloved ballet. Pair it with a viewing of The Nutcracker for a complete sensory experience.
"The Tale of the Three Trees" by Angela Elwell Hunt – While not strictly a Christmas story, this beautifully illustrated book reflects on hope, purpose, and faith.
For younger readers, consider books like "The Velveteen Rabbit" by Margery Williams, "The Snowman" by Raymond Briggs, or the "Little House Christmas Stories" by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
2. Write Christmas Letters or Stories
Encourage your child’s creativity and handwriting practice by engaging them in meaningful writing activities. A few ideas:
Compose Letters to Loved Ones: Have your children write heartfelt letters to family members or friends sharing their favorite Christmas memory, a prayer, or something they appreciate about that person.
Create a Christmas Short Story: Spark their imagination by prompting them to write their own Christmas tale. Encourage them to use classical themes like virtue, courage, or wonder. To get started, you can use prompts such as:
"Imagine a child finds a mysterious object under the Christmas tree…"
"Write a story about a family who experiences a Christmas miracle."
Thank You Notes: Help instill gratitude by having your children write thank-you notes for the gifts they receive.
3. Incorporate Classical Music into Your Days
Music is a vital component of classical education, and Christmas offers an abundance of opportunities to expose children to beautiful, timeless pieces.
Listen to Handel’s Messiah Together: This magnificent work is a cornerstone of classical music. Spend time discussing the themes and lyrics, especially the famous Hallelujah Chorus.
Introduce Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite: Play selections from the suite while your children draw or act out scenes from the story.
Create a Family Caroling Night: Sing traditional Christmas hymns like Silent Night, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and Joy to the World. Reflect on the lyrics’ rich meaning and historical context.
4. Explore Nature and the Christmas Season
The natural world is often overlooked during the colder months, but there is beauty and wonder to be found outside, even in winter.
Winter Nature Walks: Take family walks and observe the quiet beauty of the season. Encourage your children to bring a notebook and sketch what they see: barren trees, evergreen leaves, winter birds, or even animal tracks in the snow.
Create a Bird Feeder: Spend time building or decorating a simple bird feeder. Watching birds visit the feeder can be a joyful, ongoing learning experience.
Star Gazing: Take advantage of the early dark skies to teach your children about the stars and constellations. Reflect on the story of the Star of Bethlehem and its significance in the Christmas story.
5. Engage in Family-Friendly Christmas Projects
Christmas crafts and projects are opportunities for hands-on learning while reinforcing classical values like patience, creativity, and diligence. Here are a few ideas:
Make Homemade Ornaments: Use natural materials like pinecones, cinnamon sticks, or dried oranges to create simple ornaments together.
Build a Nativity Scene: Work as a family to create a homemade Nativity set using clay, wood, or paper. Discuss the roles of each figure and the story of Christ’s birth.
Bake Traditional Christmas Treats: Share the stories or origins of traditional holiday foods as you bake together. For example, explain the symbolism of candy canes or the history of gingerbread.
6. Reflect on the True Meaning of Christmas
One of the greatest gifts you can give your child over the Christmas break is time to reflect on the true meaning of the season.
Advent Readings: If you haven’t already, consider adding daily Advent readings or reflections to your routine.
Act of Kindness Calendar: Encourage your children to perform simple acts of kindness throughout the break—donating toys, writing letters to nursing home residents, or shoveling a neighbor’s driveway.
Family Discussion Time: Gather as a family and reflect on questions such as:
What does Christmas mean to us?
How can we show love and generosity like Christ?
A Season of Meaningful Learning
The Christmas break is more than time away from school—it’s an opportunity to engage your children’s hearts and minds in meaningful ways. By weaving in classical literature, music, creativity, and reflection, you can make this season both joyful and educational. Whether you’re sharing a beloved story, singing a timeless hymn, or enjoying the beauty of nature, the moments you create together will not only support your child’s learning but also build lasting family traditions.
Wishing you and your family a joyful, restful, and meaningful Christmas season!
Sincerely,
Brittany and all of us at Higdon Learning Solutions
