by Katie Julius

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…it’s also one of the busiest times of the year. While this year may not be quite as busy as usual, we can’t escape the organized chaos that this season so often brings.

Many homeschool parents begin to look at their schedules and wonder how they can fit it all in. It’s already difficult with the normal balancing of school, household management, marriage, jobs, etc. It can become downright overwhelming when you throw in holiday activities and obligations, leaving parents wondering how they can do it all.

The answer is simple – you can’t. Something has to give. The great thing about homeschooling is that formal academics can be put aside during this time of year to free up some room in your schedule. And even in holiday preparations and traditions, there’s no need to make sure you’ve got in your reading, or math, or science.

Take time to spend with your kids making memories. You only have 18 Christmases before your kids head into adulthood. Would you rather them have memories of the holidays that are full of stressed and frazzled parents or of meaningful holiday traditions with parents who are present.

Take the pressure off yourself. Take the pressure off your kids. Take time to be together and create family memories this holiday season. Take time to focus on relationships with each other and with the One whose birth we celebrate December 25.