My family has been enjoying our season in Advent. Once again, we’ve set aside a lot of our bookwork to simmer in Jesus.
During this time of year, I often struggle to find a good balance between schoolwork and Advent activities. I am a scheduler at heart – I’ve even created and sell a Charlotte Mason homeschool planner. I enjoy keeping to a schedule and checking off subjects as they’re completed, but man, once we get into the Advent season, it’s hard for me to stick to it. Not because we’re fighting against our will to complete our schoolwork but because I know how rich the season can be for all of us when we submerge ourselves in Jesus and serving others.
In this season, I’ve been praying that the Holy Spirit would bring me the fruits of patience, gentleness, and peace. That I would cast my worry of getting behind in our schoolwork onto Him and instead, focus on what truly matters in this season.
Him.
Daily, we’re completing our math, language arts, and history lessons. In lieu of our other subjects, we’ve been spending our time observing our Lord as we commemorate His birth and anticipate His second coming.
Early in the morning, the boys like to run into the living room to spark the fireplace and set the Advent candles on fire. Once Little Mama makes her way downstairs to join us, we gather under warm blankets on the couch and catch up on, The Jesus Storybook Bible’s, Advent calendar readings. After our reading, the boys rush to turn on the TV; Yes, the TV!
New this year, we’ve been watching the Netflix dramatized Bible reading entitled, The Gospel of Luke. It’s brilliantly made and has allowed each of us to see Jesus in a more intimate way. There are 24 chapters in the book of Luke so we’ve been watching one chapter a day while I follow along in my Bible so that I know where to stop and resume the next day. It has led to some really good conversations.
After watching a chapter in, The Gospel of Luke, we have continued our family tradition of unwrapping one Christmas themed picture book a day. We find such joy unwrapping a book to read and discuss as a family, many of which have become treasured friends. Our schoolwork then begins and we end our school day by making presents, baking treats to share and gift, or participating in seasonal activities with our Charlotte Mason homeschool community.
As you can see, our days are more relaxed but intentional. One afternoon, My Little Mama and I wanted to make a Christmas themed treat. Since the kids love plain yogurt with granola and honey, we decided to make Christmas granola!
Honey Sweetened Christmas Granola with Candy Canes and Chocolate Chips
This honey-sweetened Christmas granola is gently sweetened with honey. To give it a bit of Christmas cheer we added organic candy canes we purchased at Natural Grocers and allergen-free chocolate chips!
It was delightful! Gently sweetened with just the right amount of sugar and spice. We shared our Christmas granola with our homeschool co-op and everyone, kiddos and mamas alike, enjoyed it!
We’re going to make a few more batches as it comes together so quickly. We’ll seal them in classic Wick or Ball jars to gift our family and friends for Christmas. Below is the recipe so that you can make it too!
Honey-Sweetened Christmas Granola
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups gluten-free, quick-cooking oats
- 3 candy canes crushed
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the oats, crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, and salt. Pour in the honey, coconut oil, and vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated.
- Using a large spoon or baking spatula, spread the granola in an even layer on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350F for 20-24 minutes or until the oats are golden brown. Once cooked, remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool as it will harden and crisp up. Once cooled, using a spoon, break up the granola into your favorite sized pieces.
- Eat as is (it's so yummy!) or serve topped on plain yogurt and drizzled with raw honey.
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