Top Ten Christmas Stress Busters

December 16, 2024 by Laura Leave a Comment

Top Ten Christmas Stress Busters

In “Top Ten Christmas Stress Busters,” episode #222, Meredith Curtis shares the top ten Christmas stress busters for homeschool Moms over the holidays. From personal experience, Meredith understands how the hustle and bustle of Christmas can be overwhelming at times for a homeschool mom. Join her as she shares ten ways to reduce stress and enjoy Christmas this year.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

I understand how the hustle and bustle of Christmas can be overwhelming at times for a homeschool mom.

I also encourage you to listen to Simple Shortcuts to a Stress-Free Christmas Finish Well Podcast episode #200 to reduce stress all around. https://ultimateradioshow.com/simple-shortcuts-to-a-stress-free-christmas/

Focus on Jesus

Start each day with prayer and one or two Christmas carols. Read a Scripture passage.

Fresh Air

Get fresh air each day with a brisk walk around the block or a leisurely jog. If the weather is nice, play outside. If it’s snowing, build a snowman.

Smells

Sniff a lemon, boil cinnamon sticks in water on the stove, or burn your favorite scented candle (vanilla, citrus, peppermint, lavender, jasmine).

Exercise

Get some exercise! Ride a bike, go sledding, hike, play touch football, or work out at the gym.

Quiet & Dark

After the kids go to bed, sit with your husband, or your parents, or your kids, or alone, with all the lights off in the house except for the Christmas lights. Enjoy the quiet.

Relaxing our Bodies. Relaxing Our Minds

Spontaneous Fun

Cancel school and have a Christmas movie day. Drive around and look at lights. Get out some board games and have fun!

Listen

Play Christmas carols in the house and in the car when you drive. Play classical music, especially Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker or Handel’s Messiah. Listen to water flowing in a stream or waterfall.

Relax & Read

Drink coffee, hot tea, or hot chocolate and read a cozy mystery while the kids watch a Christmas movie. I have two suggestions for you.

Old-Fashioned Christmas Murder by Meredith Curtis

Legend of the Candy Cane Murder by Meredith Curtis

Massage for Mom

Get a babysitter and go get a massage.

Refresh Your Soul

Spend some time each day reading the entire Christmas story from Zechariah & Elizabeth to the Flight into Egypt. This will refresh your soul!

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Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: celebration, Christian, Christianity, christmas, family, Finish Well, Florida, Friend, holiday, homeschool, homeschooling, Jesus, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, teen

Celebrate Christmas in Central Florida

December 2, 2024 by Laura 1 Comment

Celebrate Christmas in Central Florida

In “Celebrate Christmas in Central Florida,” episode #221, Meredith Curtis takes your homeschool family to sunny Central Florida for the holidays in 2024. She shares famous and not-so-famous festive adventures for those who are visiting for the holidays as well as those who call Central Florida home. Inspirational, educational, and just plain fun Christmas experiences await!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

So many people visit Central Florida at Christmastime to enjoy the theme parks. For those who want something different and those who live in Central Florida, here are some fun ways to celebrate Christmas. I live in Central Florida so I am sharing some of my favorite places to go and things to do.

Saint Augustine

Historic St. Augustine, the continuously inhabited city in the USA, offer her beautiful annual Nights of Lights from Saturday, November 23, 2024, to January 26, 2025. Three million lights await you for a spectacular end to a family field trip. The trains and trolleys offer special seasonal tours, too.

https://www.visitstaugustine.com/event/nights-lights

Christmas in the Country

This is an annual Christmas event for our family and friends. Put on every year by River of Life Church, this event takes place at 130 Garfield Rd, Enterprise, FL, United States, Florida 32725.

Enjoy a FREE, family-friendly, one of a kind, holiday event!

Check out our 4-H display. Navigate a merry melt-proof maze. Create your very own ornament,
enjoy free cocoa, and roast marshmallows over a bonfire on the lakefront. Hot dogs or bottled water are available for a $1 Donation. Don’t miss our Hayride through a Christmas Wonderland!

Starts the day after Thanksgiving and open the following days: 11/29, 11/30, 12/2, 12/6, 12/7, 12/13, 12/14, 12/20.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1236932000687164/?active_tab=discussion

Fort Christmas Historical Park’s Cracker Christmas

Mark your calendar for December 7-8, 2024. From 10 am to 4 pm, step back in time with a Florida Cracker Christmas celebration. Enjoy pioneer demonstrations and sample some gator meat.

The park includes a replica of a fort built in 1837 during the Second Seminole Indian War; a traditional Florida “Cracker” house and eight pioneer homes; a schoolhouse and lunchroom; a sugar cane mill and other historical farming equipment.

https://www.facebook.com/events/466759382773764

Parades

Yes, there are parades at all the theme parks, but Central Florida cities have their own parades, too.

Sanford’s annual Christmas parade is on December 14, 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1231111001281827/

Mount Dora’s annual Christmas parade is early in the morning on December 7, 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/events/881104570200250

Minneola’s Moonlight Christmas parade is on December 14, 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/events/387873457731304/

The City of Oviedo’s Holiday Parade is in the evening on December 7, 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/events/881104570200250/

Boat Parades

Mount Dora has a boat parade on Lake Beauclair on December 7, 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/events/3825059924415876/

Daytona Christmas Boat Parade is held in Daytona Beach, featuring decorated boats and a festive atmosphere.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2217032025364914/

There is also a boat parade in Cocoa Beach on December 14, 2024.

Home Tour

Stetson Mansion Tour takes you inside Florida’s Most Historic Home, c1886, of iconic hat maker JB Stetson, Florida’s First Snowbird. This home is beautifully decorated for Christmas.

https://www.facebook.com/stetsonmansiontours

The Holiday Candlelight Tour lets visitors explore DeBary Hall during holiday evenings when candlelight will fill the 19th century mansion with a warm glow, accentuating its historic treasures and Christmas decorations. Guests will be escorted to the mansion for an open style tour. The mansion, once owned by the prominent DeBary family, will be decorated with many Christmas trees, wreaths, and other festive adornments.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2692456947592494/

Lake Helen Christmas Home & Garden Tour visits beautifully decorated Historic Homes, Churches, Buildings and Local Gardens. Enjoy the Christmas Marketplace for all of your gift giving needs and delicious refreshments, as well as live entertainment!

December 7th & 8th, 12:30 PM-5:30 PM. Tour Begins at Hopkins Hall: 150 Connecticut Ave, Lake Helen, FL 32744.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1357305044410133/1357305051076799/

Living Nativity/Walk Thru Bethlehem

During this immersive experience, you will take a stroll through Bethlehem. You will see the guards at the front gate, talk to the people going about their daily lives, and hear the gossip about a strange couple who are staying in a stable.

This year, we have a brand-new layout for the city of Bethlehem that will bring you up close and personal with the characters and story of Christmas. Even if you have been before, this will be a new experience!

Whether it is your first Walk Through Bethlehem, or it is part of your Christmas tradition, we can’t wait to see you in Bethlehem!

Visit our family’s favorite Walk thru Bethlehem on December 7-8 or 13-15, 2024 at Crossroads Church, Daytona Beach.

https://crbible.com/events/

Experience the story of the birth of our savior Jesus Christ at the Living Nativity! The Biblical story will be narrated and portrayed by church members on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Children will have an opportunity to pet live animals. Cookies, hot cocoa and coffee will be served outside of the Fellowship Hall throughout the evening. We will also have coloring/craft tables set up for the little ones. Everyone is welcome!

Visit Beachside Baptist Church on December 18, 2024, in New Smyrna Beach.

https://www.beachsidebaptist.com/living-nativity/

Bring your family and friends to see Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth in this unique living nativity experience on Friday, December 13, 2024.

Begin your guided tour in the sanctuary. Follow the star to the manger, rejoice with the angels, hear the music, see the animals, pay your taxes to the Roman soldiers, and enjoy the festive marketplace. Your journey concludes with the joy of the nativity.

https://www.facebook.com/events/831861212189288

Concerts, Outdoor Movies, & More

St. Luke’s AMC Annual Christmas Concerts are “Sounds of the Seasons” from Thursday 12/12 24 to 12/15/24.

https://www.facebook.com/events/458290197338715/458290214005380/

Christmas movies at parks, churches, and downtowns.

Lights everywhere! Two favorites near me – 3 homes / owners of nursery and Lake Mary City Hall.

Ballets, concerts, Handel’s Messiah singalong, Christian concerts.

High Tea Aboard the Barbara Lee

Enjoy the beautiful decorations of the season while enjoying a wide array of endless tea along with savory finger sandwiches, scones with jelly and bite size sweets.

This 3-hour cruise on the St Johns River will take you back to a time when things were peaceful and pretty. Celebrate your sister or the women in your life.

You can dress casually or wear your favorite dress and hat. Gentlemen can break out their favorite top hat and long coat.

Live entertainment by Harpist and Composer Rene Devia. Friday December 20, 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/events/3805730683041097/

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Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Keep Faith & Family First During the Holidays

November 18, 2024 by Laura 1 Comment

Keep Faith & Family First During the Holidays

In “Keep Faith & Family First During the Holidays,” episode #220, Meredith Curtis shares easy tips and simple hacks to enjoy meaningful time with family growing in your faith. Meredith shares ideas for Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas, New Years, and Three Kings Day. Try out two or three and have the best holiday season ever!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

God is good. Holidays are a great time to celebrate God’s goodness! Family traditions can teach children more about Jesus and how to grow in Him if we are proactive in choosing quality over busyness!

Thanksgiving

Put the “thanks” in Thanksgiving!

Pass the Corn Kernels
Thankful Tree
Secret Notes
Special Thanksgiving Placecards
Praise Breakfast

Advent

Preparing hearts for Christmas.

Advent Devotions
Advent Calendar
Felt Tree & Ornaments
The ENTIRE Christmas Story
Make Gifts & Cards
Christmas Unit Study

Christmas Festivities that Build Faith

Choose wisely.

Handel’s Messiah Singalong
Christmas Pageant
Birthday Party for Jesus
Walk Thru Bethlehem
Christmas Read Alouds (The Tale of the Three Trees, Humphrey’s First Christmas, Mortimer’s Christmas Manger, The Legend of the Candy Cane, The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomy)
Christmas Movies (The Nativity Story, A Christmas Carol, Charlie Brown Christmas, It’s a Wonderful LifeI)
Traveling Dinner

Christmas Morning

Jesus before presents.

Christmas Devotions – Luke 2
Sing Happy Birthday to Jesus
Sing Christmas Carols

New Years

Review and plan ahead.

Review the Year (biggest praises & biggest challenges – how they built character)
Make Goals for next year (goals, habits, pattern of living)
Game Night
Yummy Food
Read Scripture & Pray

Three Kings Day

When the wise men came.

Gifts for Jesus (donate to Crisis Pregnancy Center)
Traditions from Other Countries
Read the Story of the Wise Men
Special Meal

Plan Free Time to be Spontaneous!

It sounds crazy I know but sometimes we need to plan free time into our schedule because the holidays get so busy.

Things You Can Do Ahead!

There are many things you can do in November to beat the Christmas stress.

Take family photo on Thanksgiving weekend (or earlier)
Shop early and wrap as soon as you purchase (I keep a list on my computer)
Address Christmas cards while you watch a Christmas movie (men can’t do this but we can!)
Bake and freeze
Shop and freeze
Plan Menu
Make a family calendar and place in prominent location

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Resources

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Christian, Christianity, family, Finish Well, Friend, homeschool, homeschooling, Jesus, Laura Nolette, life skills, Meredith Curtis, Parent, teen

4 Ways to Teach Life Skills

October 21, 2024 by Laura Leave a Comment

4 Ways to Teach Life Skills

In “4 Ways to Teach Life Skills,” Episode, #219, Meredith Curtis invites parents & teens to explore the exciting world of adulting. Life Skills help us live useful and productive lives. Some folks call it adulting. In the business world, life skills such as problem solving, conflict resolution, and manners are called soft skills. Teach and learn life skills 4 different ways. Some life skills are “caught” and others are learned intentially. Discover what works best for you!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Life Skills help us live useful and productive lives. Some folks call it adulting. In the business world, life skills such as problem solving, conflict resolution, and manners are called soft skills. These soft skills help people advance in their profession. From brushing teeth to mowing the lawn to balancing a checkbook, life skills are needed by the entire human race.

Caught Not Taught

Many of the life skills we pass on to our children will enter their lives effortlessly on our part. We won’t even realize that we are teaching them to brush their teeth or weed the garden.

Hurricane prep, tipping generously, voting, unplugging pipes, changing locks, washing dishes, laundry, setting the table, communication.

Proactive Natural Living

Sometimes we need to be proactive with children who don’t want to brush their teeth or little boys who hate baths.

Removing hats to pray, standing when older folks enter the room, tithing, serving, hospitality, conflict resolution, manners. Our Kate was shy.

Inserted into Classes

Other life skills I had to learn. My parents were great at managing money but they never talked much about money except to teach me to tithe. I never learned anything about money in public school. My husband came to our marriage tithing and with a commitment to live debt-free which I thought was strange. When the church offered a course on finances, we signed up. It changed our life. We made a budget and set financial goals. My children are much better at managing money than we are because we got such a late jump on it. I included financial management in their high school economics course.

Real Men 103: Leadership

God’s Girls 105: Homemaking

“Give Me a High Level Overview” – High School English

Small group assignments & group discussions in my online courses.

Economics Course – how to start and run your own business.

Serving at Church/ Internships & Apprenticeships

Sound team, worship team, greeting, children’s ministry, sharing testimony, leading Bible study

Internships & Apprenticeships can overlap. Possibilities: with a plumber, car mechanic, doctor’s office, roofer, lawn service, pastor, secretary, business owner.

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Resources

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Christian, Christianity, family, Finish Well, Friend, homeschool, homeschooling, Jesus, Laura Nolette, life skills, Meredith Curtis, Parent, teen

Teens & Their Friends

October 7, 2024 by Laura Leave a Comment

Teens & Their Friends

In “Teens & Their Friends,” Episode, #218, Meredith Curtis invites parents & teens to talk about friendships during the teen years. Why do these relationships matter so much? How do friendships impact teens? How can teens makes choices in relationships that set them up for success?