All I Want for Christmas Is My Kids to Do Their Math Homework

Audio By Carbonatix

Move over, Mariah Carey—this homeschool mom doesn’t want a lot for Christmas. I don’t care about snow, fancy gifts, or even a silent night (although I wouldn’t say no to that last one). No, all I want for Christmas is for my kids to do their math homework without whining. Just once, Lord, let them look at their fractions with joy! Is that too much to ask?

If you’re like me, homeschooling during the holidays feels a bit like trying to bake cookies while a tornado whips through your kitchen. There’s glitter everywhere, someone is humming “Jingle Bells” on repeat, and your youngest just asked why Santa doesn’t pay taxes. It’s a festive blend of chaos and curiosity—but it doesn’t have to derail your homeschool plans!

Here are a few fun tips for homeschooling during the holidays without losing your sanity (or your supply of Christmas cookies):

1. Turn Math Into a Baking Lesson

Fractions are so much easier to understand when cookies are involved. Let your kids measure ingredients, double recipes, and calculate how many cookies they’ll need to share with Grandma. Bonus: You’ll get to taste-test their newfound skills.

Pro Tip: Skip the word problems in the workbook and make your own: If Mom eats two cookies and Dad sneaks three, how many are left for the kids? (Spoiler: Not enough.)

2. Deck the Halls with Learning Games

Wrap your lessons in holiday fun! Create a scavenger hunt for spelling words, practice skip counting with Christmas ornaments, or use candy canes to explain geometry. (Triangles taste so much better when they’re made of peppermint.)

And for science? Pre-order my new book, Wonders of the Ocean Realm! Your kids can dive into the depths of the ocean with Astrid the sea star and Dexter the mimic octopus—all without leaving the comfort of their PJs.

3. Make Art Projects the Star of the Show

Forget Pinterest-perfect crafts and embrace the glitter-covered chaos. Let your kids create Christmas cards, paint ocean scenes inspired by Wendell the humpback whale, or build their own anglerfish out of paper mâché. (Pro tip: Luna, the deep-sea anglerfish from Wonders of the Ocean Realm, makes a surprisingly cute Christmas tree topper!)

4. Read, Read, Read!

The holidays are the perfect time to snuggle up with a good book—and nothing beats a story that’s both educational and entertaining. And when it arrives in January, Wonders of the Ocean Realm isn’t just packed with fascinating ocean facts. It also includes spiritual truths that will spark meaningful conversations with your kids.

Imagine sipping hot cocoa while reading about Maximus, the peacock mantis shrimp, and his incredible strength. Or discussing God’s intentional design for creation after learning about Astrid’s unique abilities. (Spoiler: God made the ocean pretty amazing—and He made YOU amazing, too!)

5. Keep It Simple and Enjoy the Moments

Not every day has to be filled with Pinterest-worthy projects or perfectly planned lessons. Some of the best homeschool memories happen when you slow down and enjoy the little things. Watch a nature documentary about sea life, or just laugh as your kids try to wrap a present without using an entire roll of tape.

So this Christmas, let’s embrace the chaos, the glitter, and yes, even the math lessons. Because homeschooling during the holidays might be messy, but it’s also magical.

Merry Christmas and happy homeschooling! And remember: Hugs and mini candy canes can solve almost any homeschool problem. 🎄🍪

Get Your Wonder Here!

Pre-order your copy of Wonders of the Ocean Realm today and take your homeschool adventure underwater! 🌊

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Need more ideas and advice on homeschooling? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course. Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart. Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners. Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live. Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer. Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!