Hey Reader!

The holidays are behind us, and here we are – standing in the aftermath of wrapping paper, sugar highs, and the remnants of holiday magic. It's back to homeschooling, back to routines, and back to figuring out where we even left off before the whirlwind of December hit.

Getting back into the swing of homeschool after the holidays can feel like trying to start a treadmill that’s already going 10 mph. Your kids are distracted, your planner looks more like a wishlist than a to-do list, and if you’re anything like me, you’re just trying to remember how to math again.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to get it all perfect. Some days, winning means everyone gets dressed (pajamas totally count). Other days, it’s a victory if you make it through one subject without someone dramatically sliding off their chair in protest. And guess what? That’s enough. You’re enough.

I know the temptation to compare your homeschool to that picture-perfect Instagram mom whose kids are writing novels and doing synchronized science experiments in matching outfits. But let’s be real – she’s probably just really good at cropping out the chaos. 😉

During this post-holiday time, take control of your domain and ease back in. Start slow – or start however YOU want to start. No one is saying a certain way to pick up after the holidays is the best way or right way. Do you. Even if that means doing the basics. (That'd ahhh be me, by the way.)

Then maybe, you can even add in something teeny tiny fun, like a read-aloud on the couch or cooking with one of your chitlens. There’s no rush – homeschool is a marathon, not a sprint, and you’re in control of the pace.

And when it feels hard – and it will – remember this: you’re raising, teaching, and loving tiny humans. You’re doing work that matters. You’re creating memories, building character, and planting seeds that will grow in ways you might not see yet.

And check this out...your kids don't exactly, clearly see how a "perfect day" is supposed to go (according to you). They can't see inside your head...where you’ve got this elaborate vision of the ideal homeschool day – complete with chore charts that actually get followed and lessons that end with applause and deep understanding.

Nope. Your kids just see the love and effort you’re putting in, and that’s what sticks with them. To them, you’re doing an amazing job, imperfections and all.

Both FAITH and FEAR demand you to believe in something you can't see. You choose.

So hey no worries girly! No judging yourself with how it's "supposed" to be going. (How cute.) Take a deep breath, Reader, grab your coffee (or reheated coffee, because #momlife), and give yourself some grace. This season is about finding your rhythm again, not about performing a flawless routine.

You’ve got this. I’m cheering for you from the sidelines, pom-poms and all. 🎉

With love, laughter (or 'humor', haha), and probably still a little holiday glitter stuck to my fuzzy socks –

xo,
Richie

PS: You might just like these pretty funny and quirky writing prompts I created for all the months of the major holidays, such as New Year's. You have 20 writing prompts about New Year's related things to writing about, along with Valentine's Day next month, and 5 other major holidays. I would say, this is good for PreK to Middle School. Your High Schooler might thing the prompts are a teeny bity juvenile, but I don't know, they could still get a kick out of them! For youngers, there are picture prompts and also drawing paper! I also provide a variety of writing notebook paper, like half draw/half write, etc. I personally LOVE these writing prompts, and every time I re-read through them, they just crack me up! I don't know where my creativity came from when I made this (haha) but I'm glad I splashed it on these writing prompts! These would definitely make a good Morning Time or Morning Basket activity, or a loop schedule activity for practicing writing, or even an add-on to your writing curriculum or journaling. It's called Write Through the Holidays!​

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