Letting Go of the Public School Mindset (Again) – Safe Haven News December

❄️ Letting Go of the Public School Mindset (Again)

Dear Homeschool Mama,

It’s December—the season of glittering lights, cozy moments, and… unrealistic expectations. While the world slows down to sip cocoa and sing carols, many homeschool moms are wrestling with guilt:

• “We didn’t finish the unit study.”
• “We’re behind in math.”
• “Other kids are taking tests and getting grades… are mine learning enough?”

If that’s you, take a deep breath with me. Let’s talk honestly about something many of us thought we had already dealt with:

🏫 The Public School Mindset… It Sneaks Back In

Even if you’ve been homeschooling for years, that old mindset can creep in. You know the one:

• Every subject must be taught separately.
• Learning must happen on a strict timeline.
• Kids must stay “on grade level.”
• A productive day looks like completed worksheets and tests.

Here’s the truth: we are not running mini public schools in our homes.
We’re nurturing souls, building relationships, and cultivating a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. That doesn’t always look like a classroom—and it shouldn’t.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
—Romans 12:2 (NIV)

🕯️ December Is the Perfect Time to Release

December is a holy month—a time when everything in the world slows down… except our own expectations. This is the perfect time to:

• Lay down pressure and pick up peace.
• Replace rigid schedules with meaningful moments.
• Let go of “shoulds” and embrace “enough”.

You don’t have to prove your homeschool is working with a perfect December.
You don’t have to turn your home into a Pinterest-worthy classroom.
You don’t have to meet anyone else’s expectations.

You get to create a lifestyle of learning that fits your family. That’s the gift of homeschooling.

🎁 A Homeschool Mama’s December Reset:

Here are 5 simple ways to renew your mindset this month:

1. Take a “school break” and call it connection. Bake, decorate, read, rest—and count it all as learning.
2. Write a homeschool mission statement—and read it when doubt creeps in.
3. Celebrate what you’ve accomplished—not what’s undone. Make a list. You’ve done more than you think.
4. Let your kids’ curiosity lead. One spark of interest is worth more than a month of forced lessons.
5. Remind yourself daily: “I’m not behind—I’m on a different path.” Say it out loud if you have to.

Mama, your homeschool doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.
Especially not a school system you chose to walk away from.
Let this December be the time you reclaim freedom—and rest in the knowledge that God is guiding your steps.

“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs… You will be like a well-watered garden.”
—Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)

🌟Here are some wonderful ways to add sparkle and creativity to your homeschool during December!

🌟And for that ever elusive copywork that we’re always searching for, here’s a workbook that is chock-full of copywork for Christmas!

Help your students get in the Christmas spirit while they’re learning more about the holiday and practicing their writing skills! There are so many benefits of copywork, so take advantage of the joy and excitement of Christmas to make learning more fun as they encounter what others have said about Christmas through the years.

In this Copywork Workbook they will find quotes that are heartwarming, funny, poignant, and inspiring. They will find stories that reveal the true meaning of Christmas. They will read about the events that happened at the first Christmas. And as they copy these words, they will take the meaning into their own hearts and find a new appreciation of what Christmas is really all about. They may get a whole new perspective of giving and the importance of family.

🌟12 Days of Christmas Books ~ Christmas Picture Book Activities for All Ages

Go on a Christmas adventure with us based on 12 classic Christmas picture books!

During this online unit, we will go on rabbit trails of discovery about everything Christmas. We will find ways to learn by experiencing parts of the book through arts and crafts.

The Picture It: A Christmas Picture Book Study course is 12 days of picture book study and includes:

• Literature
• Language Arts
• Science
• Nature Study
• Art
• Music, and
• Christmas fun!

With over 12 days of lessons, this is the perfect curriculum for those crazy days between the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

And, the best part? It’s for all ages! So, give all your students a fun curriculum for the holidays!

https://www.hidethechocolate.com/christmas-picture-book-activities-for-all-ages/?affcode=168584_0kacbufo

I also have a coupon code for 20% off that you can use on any product from Literary Adventures for Kids. For anything you order, use the coupon code SAFEHAVEN.

Freebie Corner

🐑👼🏼✨ Here’s a freebie that I created to help you keep Christ at the center of Christmas without adding anything to your already full plate. The Simple and Sacred Christmas Countdown: Keep Jesus First in Five Minutes a Day.

Christmas doesn’t have to feel rushed, overwhelming, or packed with pressure. This 12-day countdown gives your family simple, meaningful moments that gently point your hearts back to Christ—without crafts, chaos, or complicated prep.

This kid-friendly countdown helps your family keep Jesus at the center of Christmas with one short scripture, one simple action, and one gentle conversation prompt each day. Even babies and toddlers can join in with easy, age-appropriate engagement ideas. Create a calm, Christ-focused holiday—right from your living room, in just 5 minutes a day.

This freebie is included in a bundle. 

Ready for a calmer, Christ-centered Christmas? 🎨💛
I’m partnering in the Creative Christ-Centered Christmas Celebration, a 5-day event full of Scripture-based creative projects + devotionals… all happening inside a friendly community!

You can get my Christmas Copywork Workbook and tons of other Christmas freebies in this bundle.

Inside, you’ll find things like:
✨ Short video devotionals
✨ Bible journaling lessons
✨ Scripture art + printables
✨ Peace-filled Advent practices
✨ Procreate tutorials and tools
✨ Creative faith projects
…and so much more!

I’ll send you full details soon, but here’s what you need to know now:
👉 You’ll get FREE access through a 7-day trial
👉 That trial is best activated on Nov. 29 or 30
👉 The Celebration runs Dec. 1–5 only

Join the group HERE for free to get access to the bundle.

More Freebies

✨🎁🥰 If your homeschool days feel like fights instead of fun, get this free checklist of ways to make learning more fun for the whole family.

🎄🎁🌟 This is a great idea for Christmas presents with educational value. Board games that are educational and FUN!

And here’s a list of Science gifts for 5-year-olds

Here are some Christmas Sensory Bin ideas

This is a list of freebies from  Literary Adventures for Kids

Read this post to find out about a  Christmas Book Advent Countdown on the cheap

Raising Young Entrepreneurs in Your Homeschool by Safe Haven Homeschooling

It’s fun to have Christmas traditions in your family. This is one of ours:
Chef Mickey’s Breakfast Pizza

My family has made this for many of our Christmas breakfasts. We all really like it!

I hope your family likes it too.

🥞 Chef Mickey’s Breakfast Pizza (Disney Parks Copycat)

Servings: About 6–8 slices
Prep time: ~5 min • Cook time: 10–12 min

Ingredients

• 1 12″ precooked pizza crust (e.g. Boboli)
• ½ cup mozzarella, coarsely shredded
• ½ cup provolone, coarsely shredded
• 1 cup cheddar, coarsely shredded
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup heavy cream (or half‑and‑half)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Optional: ~½ cup chopped, cooked bacon (or swap with sausage/ham)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C)
2. Place pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza pan.
3. Combine cheeses: In a medium bowl, mix mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar.
4. Mix eggs & cream: In another bowl, whisk eggs with cream (or half‑and‑half), plus salt and pepper.
5. (Optional) Stir in cooked bacon bits.
6. Assemble: Quickly combine egg mixture with cheese so it doesn’t clump, then pour/spread evenly over crust
7. Bake 10–12 minutes, until set, bubbly, and golden brown on top
8. Slice and enjoy while hot!

🔧 Tips & Variations

• For extra eggy texture, scramble the eggs first, chill briefly, then stir into cream before combining with cheese
• Try a multigrain crust or go gluten‑free/keto with cauliflower crust
• Customize the toppings—add sausage, ham, peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor

Boost Immunity with Elderberry & Vitamin D

Winter months often bring more time indoors and less sun exposure, which can lower your vitamin D levels—weakening your immune system. To naturally support your health:

• Take a daily vitamin D3 supplement (especially if you’re in a northern climate).
• Use elderberry syrup or gummies to help fight off colds and flu—elderberries are rich in antioxidants and have antiviral properties.
• Add garlic, ginger, and raw honey to your diet for extra immune support.

Also, make warm herbal teas with echinacea, cinnamon, or lemon balm for comfort and wellness all season long.

If there’s anything I can help you with, just reach out to me.

If you would like to homeschool your kids with more freedom and less public school thinking, I would be glad to talk with you about it.

To book a 15 minute call with me just go to:
https://calendly.com/safehavenhomeschool

 If you have a friend who would like to read this newsletter, please pass it on!

Please come back next month when we’ll be talking about why many homeschool families have lots of children.

With peace and purpose,
Penney Douglas
Safe Haven Homeschooling

https://www.safehavenhomeschool.com/safe-haven-homeschooling-2/ – Resources from Safe Haven Homeschooling

My books on Amazon

Curriculum I’ve created with a Charlotte Mason twist plus other conventional types of curriculum

E-course I created – The Basics of Learning and Homeschooling

Coaching Course I created – Also called The Basics of Learning and Homeschooling – I take you through the course and do a coaching call with you each month

My shop for homeschool merch, t-shirts, mugs, notebooks, phone covers, and much more!

linktr.ee/penneydouglas – All the places you can find me!

Changed By Love – My original Blog about Homeschooling, Family, Faith, and Alternative News

My YouTube Channel – Safe Haven Homeschooling Channel – Homeschool Encouragement for Newbies and Burnt-out veterans, Family projects, Relationship Building, and Interviews with Homeschool Experts

My Substack – Where I share posts with a rich blend of educational insight, spiritual encouragement, and practical wisdom to help families embrace homeschooling as a lifestyle—not just a school alternative.

Interview about Homeschooling with Ramona Trevino of Blossoms of My Life Radio

Interview about Refined By Fire – Our Family’s Journey with Ramona Trevino of Blossoms of My Life Radio