Living and Learning: December...

Faith
Saint Alexander
Saint Nicholas
Saint Herman of Alaska
Saint Lucia
The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Homemaking
Finalize Plans for Little Man's Namesday and Birthday
Christmas Planning, Shopping, and Wrapping Gifts
Christmas Decorating
Christmas Tree
Nativity Preparations with Children
Perfect Stovetop Popcorn Recipe
Perfect Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe
Follow Cleaning Plan in Preparation for Nativity
Solidify Plans for the Twelve Days of Christmas
Baby
Rolling from Back to Front
Keeping Baby Warm despite the Colder Temperatures

Themes
Saint Nicholas
Gingerbread
Winter
Nativity and 12 Days of Christmas

Rituals
Keep to the Bedtime Routine
Redouble Efforts to Turn Off the Television and Computer Before Bed and Focus on the Little Ones

Special Days
Uncle Gregory's Birthday - 3rd
Little Man's Namesday - 4th
Auntie Kate's Namesday - 8th
Little Man's 3rd Birthday - 12th
Uncle Nicolas' Namesday - 19th
Full Cold Moon - 21st
Auntie Anna's Birthday and Namesday - 22nd
Little Man's Hospital Homecoming Anniversary - 31st

Learning
Practice Being Still and Quiet during Prayers and Services
Learning the Trisagion Prayers - "In the Name..., O Heavenly King, Holy God..."
The Sign of the Cross for Little Man
Tidying up Toys after Play
Clearing the Table after Meals
Nature table scene
Christmas book basket
Watercoloring
Gingerbread House Party at the Bookstore
Christmas Parade
Winter Wonderland of Lights Display
Living Nativity
Children’s Christmas Party with Our Local Mom’s Group
Lacing Cards
Memory Game and Puzzles
The Tree of Jesse – Christmas Preparation and Nativity Celebration
Decorating the Children’s Christmas Tree
Children’s Nativity Play Set
Encourage imaginative play by not over-scheduling our days
Take the children to the nearby state park for nature walks
Polish wooden toys together