February 19, 2025 – Is Winter Depression Real?

Hey, Mama!

Gena Suarez, Publisher of TOS

God Loves You Even More

Hey, Mama,

It’s been a busy and stressful couple of weeks at our house, so I’m going to focus on some encouragement:

I want to remind you that for as much as you love your own precious children, God loves you even more than that. You cannot begin to fathom his great love and the delight he holds for you. So every time you begin to doubt your worth, or feel insecure, stop and look at your kids’ faces. Are they insecure about your love for them? Do they doubt their own worth in the presence of your love and care for them? Of course not. Mama, you know they are strong in body and mind because of how you have cared for and loved them all the days of their lives. They are secure and they know it. Why do you think they go running to you every time they fall down, both literally and figuratively? Mama makes it better. They are strong in that knowledge.

How about you, Mama? Are you not loved far more by your great God and Savior? He loves with a perfect love. And He directs that love straight to your heart. Don’t you dare doubt you are cared for. Put away any thoughts that you are alone. If your kids are secure in the imperfect love you give them, how much more secure and strong should you be in the Perfect One’s loving embrace?

His hand is on your head. He will never leave you. Just as you won’t abandon your children, He won’t leave His alone either. Lift your eyes up to Him who saves you. And accept freely that you are okay today. His hand is on your head.

~ gena

Apply today for Bible School at Capernwray Harbour to discover Jesus Christ, and experience the transforming power of His indwelling Life. More info at capernwray.ca

Todd Wilson

Familyman Ministries

Overcoming Mid-Winter Blues

Listen gals, if you’re having a case of the midwinter blues after having two weeks (or more) off at Christmas, then you either didn’t take off Christmas vacation or you did too much during the break. If you didn’t take a break . . . then take one now.

If you did take a break from school, then you’re probably suffering from a bad case of I-don’t-want-to-get-back-into-the swing-of-things blues. About the only thing you can do to get over it (or past it) is to jump in there and just start. Don’t wait until it gets easier or you feel more like it, because that may never happen . . . just do it. Okay, you can have three more days . . . or maybe four.)

But, may I also suggest to you that if you’re really hating everything ‘school-related,’ then maybe you should reevaluate your method/style and see if there’s a better, more relaxed way (No, I’m not talking about putting them in school)?

It’s okay to change mid-stream. Actually, my son and I talk about it on this week’s Smiling Homeschooler Podcast. You’re always invited to listen.

Be real,
Todd

About the author

Todd Wilson is a dad, granddad, writer, conference speaker, and former pastor. Todd’s humor and down to earth realness have made him a favorite speaker at homeschool conventions, retreats, and churches across the country. As founder of Familyman Ministries and the Smiling Homeschooler, his passion and mission are to remind dads and moms of what’s most important through weekly e-mails, podcasts (The Familyman Show & The Smiling Homeschooler), seminars, and books and products that encourage parents. Todd, and his wife Debbie, still homeschool two of their eight children (six have graduated with four married) in northern Indiana. You can read more at www.familymanweb.com.

The Homeschool Printing Company – serving the homeschool community by providing quality, affordable printing services since 2017. Less stress starts here! https://thehomeschoolprintingcompany.com/

Kristen Heider

Getting Out of the Winter Slump 

After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it can be easy to slip into a feeling of malaise. In November, we gear up for two major holidays—Thanksgiving and Christmas. Then, the month of December is full of activities! From church functions to family traditions, the month is usually packed. When January arrives, everything seems to stop. It freezes just as the weather turns frigid.

So, is winter depression a real thing? Whether you suffer from depression yearlong or just seasonally, it is rather easy to begin to feel overwhelming sadness in the cold months. We’ve been pushing through to get everything done before the winter homeschool break, and now, we have to start up again.

Personally, I feel that doing things that I enjoy indoors helps alleviate the wintertime blues. For our family, that means gaming and studying things we enjoy. We enjoy playing traditional board games and adding in new ones year-round. And since we just celebrated Christmas, each year there is at least one new game to play. Some of the ones that bring us together the most are cooperative games. We’ve played ones like Hoot Owl Hoot when our children were younger, and now we’ve added more complicated ones that are difficult to beat!

What sort of things does your family enjoy doing indoors? Can you add that fun to your homeschool day? Extend your winter break by starting some unit studies focused on your children’s interests. Or seek out a new course to use if you are a member of SchoolhouseTeachers.com. (I’m always finding something new for our family!) This year we’ll be spending time on a few subscription boxes we’ve saved up and will be learning about the ocean and the galaxy. Still learning but having fun!

About the author

Kristen is a housewife and mother to three, having worked at a national park site, a metropolitan zoo, and as a history teacher. Kristen blogs at A Mom’s Quest to Teach, where she relates her family’s learning experiences. Her site is a regular column, covering elements of teaching, crafting, and all the roller coaster rides that entail being a mom.

Natalie Mack

Hope and Encouragement from Scripture

Is Winter Depression Real?
For those who don’t suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), it may seem hard to believe that something as simple as a change in weather can cause depression. However, for many, winter’s cold, gray, and blustery days can bring a noticeable shift in mood. How can Christians approach healing from winter depression with faith and practical steps?

Get Some Vitamin D
Low Vitamin D levels are often linked to seasonal depression. Consult with your doctor to determine if supplementation is needed, especially during the sun-deprived winter months.

Meditate on God’s Word
Scripture offers hope and encouragement. Passages like Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”), James 4:8 (“Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you”), and 1 Peter 5:7 (“Casting all your care on him; for he careth for you”) can bring comfort and strength.

Increase Your Prayer Time
Take your burdens to God in prayer. Don’t suffer alone. Many Christians find that laying their struggles at His feet allows Him to work through their sorrows and provide peace.

Spend Time with Others
Isolation can worsen depressive feelings. Cultivate connections with others—whether through church, small groups, or simply spending time with loved ones. 

Care for Yourself
Exercise, rest, and proper nutrition are essential for maintaining overall health. A healthy body supports a healthy mind, even during the winter months.

Serve Others
Serving others can shift your focus outward and bring a sense of purpose and joy. Consider volunteering or helping those in need alongside fellow Christians.

Establish Boundaries
Make time for what matters most and protect your energy by setting healthy boundaries. 

Faith and intentionality can make winter more bearable and even joyful, reminding us that God’s light shines even on the grayest days

About the author

Natalie Mack is a National Certified Counselor, author, TEDx speaker, and experienced twenty-three years military home educator, with over twenty-two years of service to military homeschooling families and military homeschool support group leadership. She is known for her words of encouragement and advocacy for homeschooling, particularly during the journey from high school to college. Natalie is a mom of five: three college graduates, one college senior, and an 11th grader.

Beat those winter blues by making things together as a family! In our course Heritage Crafts on SchoolhouseTeachers.com, families have fun learning and creating useful items and crafts that reflect our heritage. Some of these fun activities include making corn husk dolls, sewing quilts, drying apples, dipping candles, and more!