by True North Academy | Family Life, Holidays & Seasons
Holidays!
Holidays! I absolutely LOVE the holidays! Just the thought of them makes me smile so hard that my cheeks hurt. In this article, I want to share some of my favorite holiday memories.
As a child, I enjoyed making ornaments at school because I knew that my Mom would treasure them. Our real, six-foot, Douglas fir tree was adorned with three kids’ worth of ornaments and the number grew with every school year. The thing that I loved most was that nothing else went on the tree but those and maybe some garland!
Do you and your family make ornaments of any kind, especially edible ones?
Aside from this, my favorite holiday pastime was stealing the pineapples and cherries off the ham before it went in the oven! My mom didn’t figure out it was me until the bowl disappeared and reappeared empty. I wasn’t allowed in the kitchen after that!
Do you have one in your home who simply can NOT wait for you to stop cooking or to walk away while they sneak in for the kill? Who gets run out of the kitchen at your house?
Making memories is what the holidays are all about! Whether it’s your entire family or only those who live in your home with you, make memories! Start new traditions, too.
I remember the year that we had steak, baked potatoes, and salad for Christmas dinner instead of the traditional foods we were used to having. Let’s just say that there were NO leftovers!
What’s the craziest or most different meal you’ve had for the holidays?
As a teenager, my best friend and I would go to the movies on Christmas morning to keep from having to help with the cooking. By the time we were done, our families were eating and we always seemed to make it home right when the blessing was being said!
Do you have a favorite movie that you like to watch during the Christmas season?
In college, I spent those same times volunteering at local shelters and missions, serving the homeless. I can remember helping to de-bone 250 turkeys, sending 30 back to the restaurant who donated them because they weren’t completely cooked. As I stirred a restaurant-sized vat of cornbread dressing and then moved to open 100 cans of bulk-sized cranberry sauce, I didn’t want to see or hear anything that resembled food!
Do you and your family volunteer anywhere during the holidays or go caroling? What are some of the ways that you spread the love?
This year, one of the things we will be doing is the Luke Bible reading challenge where, beginning on December first, we will read the corresponding chapter of Luke together as a family. According to the challenge, families who participate will read through Jesus’ entire life by Christmas Eve.
Will you be reading anything special as a family during the holidays? Would our holiday booklist be of interest to you?
I’m already preparing myself to argue with my daughter about her selection of Netflix Original Christmas Movies, which seem to make their way to the list on MY profile around this time of the month.
Do you have a favorite Hallmark or a Netflix Original Christmas movie that is part of your family’s traditions? Check out more Holiday Traditions and a list of the new Hallmark movies here- maybe you will find a new holiday favorite.
One important thing about the holidays is to make them your own—that’s what makes them special! Your holiday celebrations don’t have to look like anyone else’s, so don’t stress yourself out trying to overdo things. Most families get into the most financial trouble during the holidays and overspend on pretty much anything during this time!
- It’s okay to give gifts, not to give gifts, or to give gifts on a different day…
- It’s okay to decorate a little, a lot, or not at all…
- It’s okay to rest, relax, and order out instead of cooking…
- It’s okay to celebrate away from home or with friends instead of family…
- It’s okay to have a crowd, a few close friends, or only you and yours…
- It’s okay to take a break from Life itself…
- It’s okay to argue about why matching pajamas are or aren’t okay for your family…
- It’s okay to have an overabundance of hot beverages just so everyone can have their favorites…
The holidays are YOURS, so let them reflect you!
About the author: Tammie Polk is a Mompreneur on a Mission! She is a married, homeschooling mother of three girls ages 15, 10, and 5 from Memphis, Tennessee. When she’s not pouring into her girls, you can find her writing, doing crossword puzzles, or playing games! Her major claim to fame is being the author of over 30 books on life, faith, family, and business- all of which were written in the last three years. Tammie is also a business coach, homeschool consultant, motivational and inspirational speaker, and international radio show host!
The Advent Celebration Challenge
Enjoy the benefit of our many collective years of homeschooling through the holidays and read some more articles that help bring home the beauty and truth of the season: a helpful reminder that Less is More For the Holidays and our Special Needs Holiday Edition.
Let’s face the challenge of THIS advent season together. Join us at our Facebook Group where we will have live presentations and check-ins to help us all keep our focus during this Christmas season. If you have always wanted to know more about creating a Jesse Tree as part of your celebration or more about Advent itself, you won’t want to miss the adventure! It’s no pressure – just a guide- and we will do it together.
Schedule
Here is the schedule but we will also post reminders in the group and on our Facebook Page and Instagram so be sure to follow us! Or print out a 2020 schedule HERE.
by Lisa Nehring | Holidays & Seasons, Life Skills
Creating a Christmas Shopping Budget
Creating a Christmas Shopping Budget with Your Kids with the rest of us at True North Academy! We are proponents of teaching teens how to budget while they are still at home.
A fun and easy way to introduce the life skill of budgeting with your kiddos is to allow them a specific amount to do their Christmas shopping with and then have them create a budget with the money.
It’s not a difficult task and can be quite fun. In fact, my teens love budgets because it permits them to spend money, and hopefully, your teen will feel the same way!
So, get the Christmas budget download worksheet, and let’s get started.
Super Simple Christmas Budgeting
- Have them go down the name category listing friends, family, and mentors for whom they want to buy gifts.
- Next, real quick, have them jot down any particular ideas they have for gift ideas. If they aren’t sure, have them leave it blank.
- Now, have your teen write at the top of the money section their TOTAL amount of money they have to spend.
- Talk through cost for different items they definitely want to purchase. They may also want to brainstorm, creating some of their gifts.
- And finally – once all the money is spent on paper, encourage your teen to take the budget with them and have fun Christmas shopping!
Christmas budget lesson – DONE!
We hope you love the FREE Christmas Budget worksheet. We have included a bonus Christmas Wishlist worksheet as an early holiday gift to you all!
If you are planning your Christmas homeschool lessons and celebrations now you may also want to take a look at other helpful articles like our Holiday Book Ideas, and Unique Gifts for Tweens & Teens, creating Holiday Traditions, and Celebrating Christmas!
Creating a Christmas Shopping Budget
The True North Homeschool team is wishing you a sweet Christmas season, sweet homeschool families!
by Lisa Nehring | Encouragement, Holidays & Seasons, Reviews
I love subscription boxes! I’ve subscribed to a few and its’ always a lot of fun- it’s like getting a present in the mail and it’s fun to explore new products.
I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to review the Butterfly Box. Like many busy homeschooling Moms, who are working, running a house, participating in ministry, AND homeschooling, sometimes the most important things get pushed aside.
The Butterfly Box is a wonderful way to reconnect to the most important part of life- your faith!
Each month a thoughtfully curated and themed box arrives to help you reclaim those quiet moments with God, build your intimacy with Christ, and live out your faith in the world around you!
What can you expect from your Butterfly Box Subscription?
- A monthly theme to encourage and equip your spiritual growth
- 5-6 specially curated and high-quality items that might include artwork, jewelry, books, décor, personal pampering items, cards, and other specialty items,
- The knowledge that you are supporting a faith-based or small Christian business
- The assurance that each carefully curated and crafted box will be themed and color-coordinated. I love how all of the items in my box were so beautifully color-coordinated!
- A sweet and simple newsletter that explains each item in the box and words of encouragement.
What was in my Butterfly Box?
Included in my Butterfly box were two tea drops. I am an avid tea drinker (I’m drinking my daily green tea right now) and I’ve never heard of a tea drop; I received Sweet Peppermint and White Vanilla- shaped loose leaf tea that dissolved in hot water! Tea is such a simple comfort and goes perfectly with one’s daily devotions! One for you and for a friend!
Next up, a prayer bracelet. Mine was a lovely silver toned butterfly to wear as a reminder to pray.
Also included was a laminated prayer guide that suggests circles of influence to pray for throughout the week. The card is beautiful and could easily slip into a 5 x 8-inch frame to put on one’s desk, or into your Bible cover, as a regular reminder to pray.
Then a beautifully bound book: The Power of the Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian. I’ve loved Stormie’s books for years and this one is no different. It includes 31 chapters covering specific prayers, such as, “Keep Me in the Center of Your Will,” and “Comfort Me in Times of Trouble.” Each short but powerful chapter includes encouragement, Scripture references, and Stormie’s blessed brand of exhortation! Published by Harvest House, the book is a visual treat, with a soft stamped turquoise cover and a ribbon bookmark. Each chapter includes a brief introduction, a page titled, “My Prayer to God,” and then a page titled, “God’s Promise to Me.” Sweet, thought-provoking, and do-able, even for super busy, swamped Mommas like you and me!
And even more fun, these would be totally appropriate to read with your kids!
Last but not least, included in this month’s Butterfly Box, a prayer journal, in the same beautiful turquoise as the book, with a title of, “Be Still and Know” on the front cover. Did I mention how I love the color-coordinated theme of this box? It’s a visual treat!
Self-care or the perfect gift!
A subscription to the Butterfly Box would be a perfect holiday present for a teen or adult daughter, an older relative, or a new momma. We can all use an extra dose of goodness in our lives and this little gift box delivers! And honestly, with all of the talk of the value of “self-care”, this is the real deal. If you really want to take care of yourself, the best place to start is with your relationship with the Living God!
Special Offer & Enter to Win
Join the Butterfly Box and use code WELCOME10 for 10% off!
Enter to win 6 months of the Butterfly Box. You have until October 30 to enter!
This little box is chock full of truth, beauty, and goodness and will offer encouragement to any recipient.
by Lisa Nehring | Book Reviews, Family Life, Holidays & Seasons
Generation to Generation: Passing on a Legacy of Faith to our Children is a great primer on Biblical Feasts and Festivals.
We have studied them utilizing great resources, such as Robin Sampson’s, A Family’s Guide to Biblical Feasts and Festivals, and Celebrating Biblical Feasts by Martha Zimmerman, along with the Bible and good Jewish friends. I have shared some of what we have learned in my unit study, The Celebration of Sukkot.
Our family life has been nourished by ancient traditions that have fed our souls as we practice the Old Testament Feasts and Festivals and recite what have now become familiar prayers and sing traditional songs, such as Dayenu.
There is great learning to be had about one’s faith and tying together Old and New Testament relevance when you study the Biblical Feasts and Festivals. This is one of the reasons we are offering Biblical Feasts and Festivals as a one-semester class, taught by Rabbi Arthur Fischer.
If we want our children to never give up and never give in when it comes to their values and beliefs, we must teach them hope. Hope is what led the bruised and battered nation of Israel back to our homeland, and it is hope that will lead our world to the Messianic Era.
~ Yael Eckstein from Generation to Generation
When I had a chance to review Yael Eckstein’s, (of International Fellowship of Christians and Jews), latest book, Generation to Generation: Passing on a Legacy of Faith to our Children, I jumped at the chance.
Ms. Eckstein takes a unique approach to the importance of Biblical Feasts and Festivals, by focusing on the theme of each one.
The main focus of the book is l’dor v’dor- from generation to generation.
She begins, naturally, with Shabbat, and covers eight holidays – showing us ways in which we can pass on important lessons through each one.
The Lessons
- Shabbat – Teaching our Children Priorities
- Passover – Teaching our Children to Seek Knowledge
- Shavuot – Teaching our Children Gratitude
- Tisha B’Av – Teaching our Children Hope
- High Holy Days – Teaching our Children Forgiveness
- Sukkot – Teaching our Children Faith
- Purim -Teaching our Children Courage
- Tzedaka – Teaching our Children Generosity
Each chapter begins with a Scripture verse, then a quote from a Rabbi or Jewish teaching, and an explanation of the holiday, including how Yael and her family celebrate each holiday.
At the end of the chapter, there is a page-long explanation of how the feast or festival is celebrated in the New Testament; ways to teach our children the theme of each chapter, a special note for parents and then Scripture Memory verses from both the Old and New Testaments. Sprinkled throughout is Jewish vocabulary that illuminates the Scripture.
This is a jam-packed little book, easy to read and very accessible; and a lovely way to learn about and incorporate the deep meaning of Scripture into your family culture.
Perfect for families who are just beginning their exploration of Biblical Feasts and Festivals as well as those who have already jumped into understanding the rich correlation between Old and New Testament. Yael Eckstein, as expected, does a beautiful job of integrating the importance of Jewish meaning and themes with New Testament faith.
An important and accessible book for families who long to see their children raised and living in the living faith of The Book.
For more information on the book, visit the website at www.generationbook.org.
About the Author
The author, Yael Eckstein, is President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, the largest provider of humanitarian aid in Israel. The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews was founded in 1983 by Orthodox Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, whose vision for building bridges of understanding and cooperation between Christians and Jews has been translated into the largest Christian-supported humanitarian agency helping Jews in Israel and around the world.
You can learn more about the organization and Rabbi Eckstein at the website International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
For more than 2,000 years, the Jewish people have preserved and maintained their faith from generation to generation, despite being exiled from their land and suffering persecutions, pogroms, and even the Holocaust, where six million Jewish women, men, and children were killed at the hands of the Nazis. In her book, Generation to Generation, Fellowship President, and CEO Yael Eckstein unlocks the keys to how the Jewish people have successfully passed on the legacy of faith through the family and offers insights into how Christians can incorporate these principles within their own families to pass on a strong and living faith.
Find IFCJ on FB
If you are interested in learning more about Biblical Feast & Festivals, check out the semester-long class from True North Academy which is taught weekly live online from Israel. We offer Biblical Hebrew and Modern Hebrew which both include some study of traditions and culture also taught by Rabbi Arthur Fischer.
by True North Academy | Holidays & Seasons, Homeschooling, Service & Volunteering
Homeschoolers Giving Back
Homeschoolers Giving Back During A Season of Giving
Wondering how we homeschoolers can give back to our communities? Recently, one of my Facebook friends asked those on her timeline for ideas on what homeschoolers could do to give back. She got the usual answers—shelters, Salvation Army, nursing homes, etc. My response? Help a homeschooling teacher!
Three Ways You Can Help Fellow Home Educators:
- Be there: families are joining the ranks of homeschooling by leaps and bounds and many have no clue how to get started. Simply having access to someone to talk to can help so much!
- Konmari your classroom: people may be looking for curricula that you have sitting in a box or closet. Instead of collecting dust and spider webs it could be helping a homeschool family. It may not be the latest edition, but I guarantee you that it will help SOMEBODY!
- Create a “kick-off” box: people use the same supplies as you – that extra stuff can be turned into supply boxes for new homeschool families. The kids will love helping with this!
Let’s talk about that last one for a moment. Have you ever given thought to making a homeschool kick-off box for a new homeschooling family? Think about that new homeschool parent who is going through all of those things you went through when you first started homeschooling. Often a search for help can lead to information overload- and you could be there to enable them to get a good start instead!
Stuff You Already Have
Think about what you have on hand that might be an encouragement to that new homeschool family. A tote bag or cute box of basic school supplies, coffee or tea and a cute mug for Mom, age/grade appropriate activity packets, books, and things of that sort go a LOOOOOOOOOONG way! Pay attention to those “If you could have anything for your homeschool, what would it be” posts—you might have that stuff right in your house and it could be used to inspire, encourage, uplift, and equip another family to resist the urge to put their kids back on the bus that they JUST pulled them off of…SIGH!
Make a Target Run
If your closet search doesn’t yield enough items for your homeschool kick-off box, a quick trip to your local Target dollar section or the dollar store can round out your list with cute erasers and inexpensive office supplies.
Other Ways to Give Back
Our kids need a reality check at times, so take them to those soup kitchens, shelters, orphanages, and even hospitals. That reminds me of something…
Last year, our youngest daughter was admitted to the hospital days after her birthday. Because she was in medical isolation, she couldn’t leave the room to engage in any of the amenities the hospital had to offer. As I opened the door briefly to see what was going on around the floor, I saw a family with a cart of dinner plates for the parents of children in the hospital. It was obvious that their youngest child did NOT want to be there at ALL! When they got to our daughter’s room, he noticed that they were the same age and had the same birthday. His mood INSTANTLY changed. He was up, walking around, serving others, and ran across a little girl just like him.
A local homeschool co-op came around the hospital with Christmas stockings and a cart full of toys. It was so hard for me to choose because our daughter likes pretty much anything! When I mentioned that she’d just had her birthday, they told me to take whatever I wanted! The cool thing was that one of the things she wanted MOST for her birthday was on that cart – how this small act blessed us!
A church group brought a full taco bar out for parents and children who could eat it. They prayed for each parent that came down to make a plate for themselves or their children. Little things like that make a big difference.
Many times, our children think that nothing will ever befall them and they need to see that it can and that there are people out there who genuinely need that smile or helping hand! They may be the only person that day who shows that person any kindness at all…I’ve seen it happen too many times.
Another thing you can do is write to a soldier who may not have a family or simply needs a pick me up from someone they have sworn their lives to protect. The loneliness they feel may not be something your child experiences, but it will teach them to appreciate others!
Four Quick Ways to Pay it Forward
- Volunteer at those shelters, soup kitchens, and orphanages
- Visit hospital patients during the holidays
- Write to a soldier
- Smile and look for little ways to lend a hand every day
Whatever you choose to do…give back!
Tammie Polk is a Mompreneur on a Mission! She is a married, homeschooling mother of three girls ages 15, 10, and 5 from Memphis, Tennessee. When she’s not pouring into her girls, you can find her writing, doing crossword puzzles, or playing games! Her major claim to fame is being the author of over 30 books on life, faith, family, and business- all of which were written in the last three years. Tammie is also a business coach, homeschool consultant, motivational and inspirational speaker, and international radio show host!
About the author: Tammie Polk is a Mompreneur on a Mission! She is a married, homeschooling mother of three girls ages 15, 10, and 5 from Memphis, Tennessee. When she’s not pouring into her girls, you can find her writing, doing crossword puzzles, or playing games! Her major claim to fame is being the author of over 30 books on life, faith, family, and business- all of which were written in the last three years. Tammie is also a business coach, homeschool consultant, motivational and inspirational speaker, and international radio show host!
Creating a Christmas Shopping Budget with Your Kids with the rest of us at True North Academy! We are proponents of 
What can you expect from your Butterfly Box Subscription?
Three Ways You Can Help Fellow Home Educators:
Last year, our youngest daughter was admitted to the hospital days after her birthday. Because she was in medical isolation, she couldn’t leave the room to engage in any of the amenities the hospital had to offer. As I opened the door briefly to see what was going on around the floor, I saw a family with a cart of dinner plates for the parents of children in the hospital. It was obvious that their youngest child did NOT want to be there at ALL! When they got to our daughter’s room, he noticed that they were the same age and had the same birthday. His mood INSTANTLY changed. He was up, walking around, serving others, and ran across a little girl just like him.
