We often take two weeks off from regular school activities right before Christmas. We call it our Christmas unit study. We spend our time making crafts and gifts, decorating the house, baking, reading Christmas story books, and doing assorted other Christmas activities. One year we did a lot of activities dealing with the Nutcracker ballet. I like to find different versions of the Christmas story to read throughout the Christmas season. Our family favorite is still the little golden book, The Christmas Story. The picture of Jesus as a little boy on the last page looks so much like our oldest at the same age, and, yes, our oldest is a girl. By spending the weeks before Christmas focused on Christmas gift making and preparation, my children will have lifetime memories of warm family times and a heritage of giving to pass on to their own children.

I've listed a number of online Christmas resources. You can choose any aspect of Christmas as your focus. There are resources for learning about Christmas trees, Christmas music, and Christmas traditions around the world. You'll find links to Christmas crafts, Christmas recipes, Christmas lesson plans, games, and activities. Pick a theme with your children and set them loose finding the things they want to do. In between activities pause for a little game of Elf Bowling or decorate your computer with Christmas themed wallpaper and icons.

Websites Activities Christmas Songs Lesson Plans Bible Lessons Crafts Christmas Recipes

Games Desktop Themes Books Christmas Activity Books & Stickers Video CD or Tapes Christmas Shopping