Hello, THSC Friend,

Can you believe that there are only ten days left until Christmas Eve? Our master bedroom closet is the official Secret Gift Hiding Location, and it’s getting a little hard to squeeze in and get clothes in the morning. I won’t mind too much when it’s finally time for Santa to put those gifts under the tree...

However, even though Christmas gifts are fun, we have tried to intentionally focus our Christmas preparations on the why behind celebrating Christmas. Several signs around my town say, “Jesus is the reason for the season!” and while I appreciate the sentiment, sometimes that phrase can be said out of habit without us thinking more deeply about it.

Sometimes this statement is in response to people feeling that Christmas is getting a bit commercialized. Cue Charlie Brown exclaiming (in A Charlie Brown Christmas), “Isn’t there anyone here who knows what Christmas is all about?” (see the clip here)

Thankfully, we do know “what Christmas is all about,” but in the midst of all the goings-on of the season, it can be difficult to communicate that to our children.

I think it’s important to not only keep the story of the birth of Christ from being a sideline to the more glitter and tinsel aspects of Christmastime but to show our children ways to honor Him more deeply.

In John 8:12, “Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.’ ”

We are to follow Jesus’ example and shine light into the world, and Christmas is the perfect time to do this in earnest. 

~Remind your children that Christmas lights are reminders of the light that Jesus brings into our lives.

~Print out these free Random Acts of Christmas Kindness cards and give a little joy to those around you when the opportunity arises.

~Relive the story of Jesus’ birth together with these colorfully illustrated advent scripture cards. No, it’s not too late to start!

~Create a 3D paper nativity scene for display. Check out this puzzle nativity option for older children.

~If you haven’t yet, make an effort to find a local church. No streaming service can take the place of meeting together in person with the shared goal of lifting up Jesus. Many churches have Christmas programs or events, and those are a wonderful time to “audition” a new church to see if it fits your family. 

Want more ideas on making Christmas more Christ-centered? Read more in our article Advent Ideas for Families.

Thank you for reading,

Jessica Lovett

THSC Lead Editor & Writer

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.

And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army of angels praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.”
-Luke 2:9-14

Need some last-minute gift ideas? Check out our recommended educational Christmas gift lists for 2021!

Need a Safe Way to Keep in Contact with Your Kids?

With the holiday’s just ahead, we’re thrilled to announce an exciting partnership to support homeschooling families in the state of Texas. It’s also a chance to highlight a company founded by homeschool graduates working to help families safely navigate the digital age.

COSMO Technologies is a family tech company founded by three former homeschoolers, and this holiday season, we’re partnering together to support families in our state. COSMO’s flagship product is a groundbreaking kids smartwatch and parent app that helps families stay safe and connected as an alternative to smartphones.

5 Tips for Less Stressful Holidays

Sometimes when guests grace our doorways around Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, we also find ourselves receiving unwanted holiday visitors like stress, exhaustion, and disorganization.

With the shopping, gift-wrapping, decorating, extra cooking, family obligations, and special holiday events, it can be hard to keep a healthy balance.

Check out these five tips to help keep stress away as Christmas gets closer.

We’d love to send you our Welcome to Homeschooling ebook!

Our Welcome to Homeschooling ebook has been completely redesigned and updated with you in mind! Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a seasoned pro, get some fresh inspiration about scheduling your day, banishing the blues, and celebrating your child’s unique learning styles. There is even a translation of the ebook in Spanish. 

We’d love to share it with you - become a member today to receive the ebook.

Check out more THSC member benefits you could use!

Contributing Editor Volunteers Needed

Are you skilled at refining writing? Do you have a passion for our mission of supporting Texas homeschoolers? Why not consider joining our volunteer editing team as a Contributing Editor! It’s an excellent resume builder and gives you opportunities to receive mentoring from industry professionals. Find out more about being a Contributing Editor!

Homeschool Mentors Needed

Are you an experienced homeschool parent? Are you passionate about helping others get started homeschooling as well? THSC would love to find experienced homeschool parents who are willing to commit to a few calls per week to help families that might be getting started with this new school-at-home situation as a result of the isolation period. Find out more about being a Homeschool Mentor!

Homeschooling Matters Because
Families Matter

Mask mandates, Critical Race Theory, and the teaching of sexually explicit material are causing parents to step back and recognize what their children are being taught in public schools.

In a post-pandemic world, homeschooling continues to rise, and parents have become empowered to take charge of their children’s education. We believe that parents have a God-given right to raise their children as they see fit, without government interference.

Check out this new, inspiring video showing real homeschooling families and what a difference that being a part of a supportive community like THSC can truly mean!

Home Educator Express by THSC

Find out for yourself how a THSC membership could benefit you!