Incorporating holidays into your homeschooling routine offers a unique opportunity to explore a diverse array of topics, sparking curiosity and fostering a love for learning in your children. Each holiday provides a gateway to new subjects and experiences, allowing for child-led learning that can make education both fun and meaningful. From historical events and scientific discoveries to cultural celebrations and quirky observances, these holidays can serve as a springboard for deeper exploration and hands-on activities.
Embrace the richness of December’s holidays to create an engaging and dynamic learning environment that encourages your child’s interests and passions.
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Celebrate on or near these specific days:
1 – National Christmas Lights Day
National Christmas Lights Day is the perfect time to explore both tradition and science. Study the history of holiday lights and how electricity makes them sparkle, or take a family walk to admire decorated homes in your neighborhood. Younger children can create paper chains or draw light displays, while older learners might explore energy use and conservation. You can even make it a writing activity by having kids describe their favorite display in detail. Brighten up your homeschool day with festive learning! Read more about National Christmas Lights Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
2 – National Mutt Day
Celebrate furry friends on National Mutt Day! This holiday is all about recognizing the value of mixed-breed dogs and promoting adoption. Homeschoolers can research different dog breeds, write stories about pets, or create posters encouraging kindness to animals. If you don’t have a dog, you can still support local shelters by collecting supplies or learning about pet care. It’s a fun way to blend science, empathy, and service learning. Read more about National Mutt Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
3 – Make a Gift Day
Make a Gift Day is a wonderful opportunity to practice creativity and generosity. Encourage kids to make handmade gifts such as cards, ornaments, or simple crafts. This holiday fosters skills in art, problem-solving, and even budgeting when planning supplies. You can also use it as a springboard for discussions about the meaning of giving vs. receiving. It’s a heartwarming way to combine hands-on projects with character education. Read more about Make a Gift Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
4 – International Cheetah Day
Zoom into animal science with International Cheetah Day! Learn about the world’s fastest land animal, its habitat, and conservation efforts. Kids can create cheetah fact cards, watch documentaries, or build a model of a savanna ecosystem. For little ones, cheetah-themed art projects bring learning to life. This holiday encourages awareness about endangered species and the importance of protecting wildlife. Read more about International Cheetah Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
5 – Day of the Ninja
Step into stealth mode on Day of the Ninja! Learn about the history of ninjas in Japan and how they are portrayed in pop culture. Kids can make paper ninja stars, practice balance and agility with an obstacle course, or write their own ninja adventures. This day combines history, physical activity, and storytelling in a playful way. It’s also a chance to discuss the difference between legends and reality. Read more about Day of the Ninja and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
6 – Saint Nicholas Day
Celebrate the generosity of Saint Nicholas, the inspiration behind Santa Claus, on his feast day. Learn about his life, acts of kindness, and how his legacy spread across cultures. Homeschoolers can study European traditions, create paper shoes for “treats,” or brainstorm ways to give back to others. This holiday offers a meaningful connection between history, geography, and values. Read more about Saint Nicholas Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
7 – Letter Writing Day
Bring back the art of communication on Letter Writing Day! Teach kids how to write friendly letters, thank-you notes, or even formal correspondence. Pair this with a lesson in handwriting, grammar, and addressing envelopes. You could also connect with history by studying famous letters from the past. Sending a real letter to a loved one adds a practical and heartwarming touch. Read more about Letter Writing Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
8 – National Brownie Day
National Brownie Day is the sweetest way to blend math and science in your homeschool. Kids can measure ingredients, calculate fractions, and learn about chemical reactions while baking brownies. Younger learners can decorate with creative toppings, while older kids can research the history of brownies as a dessert. Of course, enjoying the finished product is the best part of the day! Read more about National Brownie Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
9 – Christmas Card Day
Christmas Card Day celebrates the tradition of sending heartfelt holiday greetings. Teach kids about the history of greeting cards, then create handmade cards with art supplies or digital tools. Writing messages inside is a great literacy practice while also spreading joy to family and friends. For a history connection, explore how holiday cards have evolved over time. This holiday encourages creativity, communication, and kindness. Read more about Christmas Card Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
10 – Dewey Decimal System Day
Celebrate libraries and organization on Dewey Decimal System Day! Learn how this system helps people find books and why libraries are so important. Take a virtual library tour, practice sorting books at home, or create your own “mini-library” with labeled categories. Older learners can even research Melvil Dewey, the inventor of the system. This holiday helps kids build research and organizational skills while honoring a tool that has served readers for generations. Read more about Dewey Decimal System Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
11 – National Have a Bagel Day
Celebrate National Have a Bagel Day with a delicious bite of history and culture. Kids can explore where bagels originated, learn about how yeast helps dough rise, and even try making homemade bagels as a hands-on science activity. Use this holiday to spark discussions about cultural foods and traditions. For younger kids, shape playdough “bagels” to practice fine motor skills, while older learners can research recipes and practice measurements. Food always makes learning fun and memorable! Read more about National Have a Bagel Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
12 – Gingerbread House Day
Get creative on Gingerbread House Day! Build edible architecture with graham crackers or gingerbread, and use candy to decorate. This holiday is perfect for teaching design, measurement, and engineering concepts while fostering creativity. You can also explore the history of gingerbread in different cultures and compare recipes. It’s a sweet, hands-on activity that brings holiday spirit right into your homeschool. Read more about Gingerbread House Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
13 – National Cocoa Day
Warm up learning on National Cocoa Day with a cozy cup of hot chocolate. Explore where cocoa comes from, how it’s grown, and its history as a special drink. Kids can experiment with different recipes, compare flavors, and write descriptive paragraphs about their favorite. Pair the activity with a good book or math lessons using cocoa-themed word problems. Read more about National Cocoa Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
14 – Monkey Day
Monkey Day is a playful holiday that encourages curiosity about primates. Learn about different monkey species, their habitats, and their intelligence. Kids can make monkey crafts, read animal fact books, or act out silly monkey movements for a kinesthetic activity. This holiday also opens up discussions about animal conservation and the importance of protecting endangered species. Read more about Monkey Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
15 – National Cupcake Day
National Cupcake Day is the sweetest excuse to bake together! Practice measuring and fractions while making cupcakes, then let kids decorate them with their own creative designs. You can even turn it into a history lesson by researching the origins of cupcakes. Writing cupcake reviews or creating a family “cupcake cookbook” adds a literacy connection. A little math, science, and art wrapped up in a tasty treat! Read more about National Cupcake Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
16 – Boston Tea Party Day
Dive into American history on Boston Tea Party Day. Reenact this pivotal protest, read primary sources about the event, or create a timeline of the American Revolution. Kids can even host a pretend “tea party” to make the lesson hands-on. Discuss the themes of freedom, fairness, and how ordinary people can spark change. It’s a great opportunity to connect civics with storytelling. Read more about Boston Tea Party Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
17 – Wright Brothers Day
Celebrate aviation pioneers on Wright Brothers Day! Learn about Orville and Wilbur’s invention, test paper airplane designs, and explore the science of flight. Kids can build simple models to understand lift and drag or research how airplanes have changed the world. This holiday combines history, engineering, and hands-on fun. Read more about Wright Brothers Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
18 – Bake Cookies Day
Bake Cookies Day is a perfect holiday for kitchen learning! Practice math by measuring ingredients, explore chemistry by watching cookies rise, and finish with a delicious family snack. Kids can also decorate cookies, design packaging, or create a “family cookie recipe book.” Cooking together builds life skills while making sweet memories. Read more about Bake Cookies Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
19 – Holly Day
Holly Day is all about celebrating this festive evergreen plant. Learn about its role in winter traditions and explore its symbolism in different cultures. Kids can create holly-inspired crafts, nature journal entries, or study plant adaptations for surviving in winter. It’s a great holiday to bring nature and culture into your homeschool lessons. Read more about Holly Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
20-22 – December Solstice
Mark the shortest day and longest night of the year with lessons about Earth’s tilt, rotation, and changing seasons. Kids can track sunlight, explore solstice traditions from around the world, and create art inspired by winter skies. It’s a perfect day for combining science, culture, and reflection. Read more about December Solstice and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
20 – Games Day
Bring out the board games and cards for Games Day! This holiday is perfect for teaching math, logic, strategy, and cooperation. Kids can even design their own original games, combining creativity with critical thinking. Family game time also builds social skills and teamwork. Read more about Games Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
21 – National Flashlight Day
Shine a light on learning with National Flashlight Day! Celebrate the winter solstice with fun activities like shadow play, flashlight tag, or reading by flashlight. Older kids can explore how flashlights work, experiment with batteries and circuits, or study the importance of light in history. This holiday blends science with playful fun. Read more about National Flashlight Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
22 – Abilities Day
Abilities Day is about celebrating all the things people can do. This holiday is perfect for discussing inclusion, empathy, and the diverse talents that make people unique. Kids can make posters highlighting their own abilities or learn about inspiring individuals with disabilities. It’s a great way to build character and compassion in your homeschool. Read more about Abilities Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
23 – National Family Roots Day
National Family Roots Day invites homeschoolers to dig into genealogy and family history. Create a family tree, interview grandparents, or explore cultural traditions from your heritage. Kids can even design a scrapbook or timeline of important family events. This holiday connects history to personal stories, making learning meaningful and memorable. Read more about National Family Roots Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
24 – National Eggnog Day
Raise a cup on National Eggnog Day! Explore the history of this holiday drink and even try a simple, kid-friendly recipe. Use it as a fun opportunity to talk about food traditions and how they vary across cultures. Kids can also design eggnog-themed menus or advertisements for a literacy tie-in. Read more about National Eggnog Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
25 – A’Phabet Day or No “L” Day
A playful twist on Christmas, A’Phabet Day encourages kids to get creative with words—without the letter “L.” Challenge them to write poems, songs, or holiday greetings while avoiding “L” altogether. It’s a fun way to build literacy and problem-solving skills. Pair this with traditional Christmas activities for a day full of learning and laughter. Read more about A’Phabet Day or No “L” Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
26 – National Thank You Note Day
National Thank You Note Day is the perfect time to teach gratitude. Encourage kids to write thank-you notes for gifts, experiences, or acts of kindness. This builds writing skills while also reinforcing the importance of appreciation. You can add an art component by decorating notes with drawings or stickers. Read more about National Thank You Note Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
27 – Fruitcake Day
National Fruitcake Day is a fun way to mix culinary history with hands-on learning. Explore why fruitcakes have been around for centuries, then taste or bake one together. Younger learners can graph family opinions on fruitcake, while older ones can study its preservation qualities. Food history makes lessons flavorful and engaging. Read more about National Fruitcake Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
28 – National Card Playing Day
Pull out the cards for National Card Playing Day! Practice math skills, probability, and strategy through classic games like Go Fish or Rummy. Kids can even design their own card games to share with the family. Playing together encourages problem-solving and social interaction in a fun, relaxed setting. Read more about National Card Playing Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
29 – Tick Tock Day
As the year winds down, Tick Tock Day is a reminder of time passing and goals ahead. Explore the history of clocks, how time zones work, and different ways cultures measure time. Kids can create clock crafts, practice telling time, or journal about accomplishments from the year. It’s a reflective and practical holiday for homeschool families. Read more about Tick Tock Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
30 – Bacon Day
Celebrate sizzling science and culture on Bacon Day! Learn about how bacon is made, explore the history of cured meats, and even try bacon-inspired recipes. Kids can graph family preferences, create bacon art, or explore nutrition discussions around salty treats. This holiday is both tasty and educational. Read more about Bacon Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
31 – New Year’s Eve
Ring in the New Year with reflection and celebration! Kids can write down their favorite memories from the year, set goals for the year ahead, and learn about how different cultures celebrate New Year’s Eve. You can also explore time zones by seeing when the new year arrives around the globe. Add in crafts, noisemakers, or a family countdown to make it festive. Read more about New Year’s Eve and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
Elf Day (First Friday in December)
Elf Day is a whimsical holiday perfect for diving into imagination. Kids can dress up as elves, make elf hats, or write silly elf stories. It’s also a fun way to practice service by doing “secret elf” acts of kindness around the house. This holiday encourages creativity and kindness wrapped in festive cheer. Read more about Elf Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
Ugly Sweater Day (Third Friday in December)
Pull out the glitter and yarn for Ugly Sweater Day! Kids can design paper sweaters, decorate real ones, or research the funny history of this quirky tradition. Add in a math activity by voting for the “ugliest” sweater with a graph or chart. This holiday adds laughter and creativity to your homeschool. Read more about Ugly Sweater Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
Hanukkah (Dates Vary)
Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, offers a wonderful chance to explore Jewish culture and traditions. Learn about the story of the Maccabees, light a menorah, or spin a dreidel. Cooking latkes or sufganiyot adds a delicious hands-on element. This holiday teaches resilience, faith, and the joy of celebrating light in times of darkness. Read more about Hanukkah and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
Thanks for buzzing by to learn about holidays on December days!
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By integrating these resources, you can effortlessly add the holiday of the day to your homeschool routine, fostering a dynamic and enriching educational experience for your children.
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