A Little Christmas Wonder: My Review of the Artza Box Christmas Box

There’s something special about receiving a box filled with thoughtfully chosen treasures, especially during the Christmas season. The Artza Box Christmas box was a lovely reminder that the most meaningful gifts are often the ones that come with a story.

One of my absolute favorite parts of the box was the accompanying booklet, written in both Hebrew and English. It explained the significance of each included item, adding so much depth and meaning to the experience. Rather than simply unwrapping beautiful things, I had the opportunity to learn more about their stories and cultural connections. I especially appreciated the additional resources, including a babka recipe that pairs with the spices in the box. Those little extras make the experience feel interactive and give you something to enjoy long after the unboxing.

There were several items that particularly stood out to me. The linen spray has a lovely scent, bringing a little touch of comfort and freshness into the home. The DIY ornament kit is such a fun seasonal addition, offering a chance to slow down and make something special for the Christmas tree. And the wooden nativity scene is a beautiful, timeless piece that feels especially fitting for the season.

What I appreciated most was how the box brought together beautiful objects, hands-on activities, and opportunities to learn. The bilingual booklet, in particular, helped connect the individual items into a more meaningful experience.

If you enjoy discovering thoughtfully curated gifts, learning the stories behind the things you receive, and adding special touches to your Christmas traditions, the Artza Box Christmas box is worth exploring.

For me, it was a lovely combination of beauty, learning, and Christmas inspiration—and a reminder that sometimes the best gifts are the ones that invite us to pause, discover, and appreciate something new.

Out of the entire box....this was the first thing I tore into!  #ChocoholicLife

Grab your Artza Box today!!!

Week-Long Autumn Unit Study for High School (FREE PRINTABLE)

Exploring Autumn: Science, Culture, and Creativity

This unit is appropriate for grades 9-12, but can be tailored to fit a family-style learning format.  It is designed to be used in a single week OR in a Fun Friday format, completing one day of the unit each week of the month.  Visit the Subscribers Page for a printable PDF version.

For extra enrichment, try the Charlotte Mason Autumn bundle.  To tailor for additional middle or elementary school family members, grab your Autumn Booklist for the library.

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Day 1 – The Science of Autumn

Activities:

1. Mini-Lesson / Reading:

   • Watch a short video on why leaves change color.

   • Discuss the relationship between sunlight, temperature, and chlorophyll.  Make a flow chart that shows their relationships, and put this in your notebook.

2. Outdoor Observation:

   • Collect 3–5 fallen leaves from different species.

   • Identify them using a field guide or plant ID app.

   • Sketch or photograph each leaf and note its color variations.

3. Science Notebook Entry:

   • Write a paragraph explaining how light and temperature affect leaf pigments.

Optional Extension:
Experiment—place green leaves in rubbing alcohol and watch pigment separation (chromatography).

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Day 2 – Autumn in Literature

Activities:

1. Literary Reading:

   • Choose 2–3 poems or excerpts (e.g. Keats’ “To Autumn,” Frost’s “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” or Dickinson’s “The name—of it—is ‘Autumn’”).

   • Discuss what autumn represents—change, decay, harvest, reflection, or renewal.

2. Creative Writing Prompt:

   • Write a descriptive paragraph or poem titled “My Autumn.”

   • Use all five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) in your poem.

3. Discussion / Reflection:

   • Compare how different writers use autumn as a metaphor.

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Day 3 – Ecology and Wildlife

Activities:

1. Research Assignment:

   • Choose one local animal (e.g., squirrel, deer, monarch butterfly, goose).

   • Research how it prepares for winter—migration, storing food, changing coats, etc.

   • Create a one-page illustrated profile of your animal.

2. Outdoor Observation:

   • Spend 30 minutes outdoors noting animal activity—tracks, sounds, nests, migration signs.

3. Discussion Question:

   • How does human activity affect wildlife in autumn?

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Day 4 – The Art of Autumn

Activities:

1. Art Study:

   • Examine famous autumn works (e.g., Monet’s landscapes, Bierstadt’s fall scenes, or contemporary photographers).

   • Discuss composition, tone, and emotion.

2. Creative Project:

   • Create an autumn piece—painting, photograph, collage, or digital art.

   • Include a short artist’s statement (that's you!) about inspiration and mood.

3. Optional:

   • Combine pressed leaves or natural materials into mixed media art.

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Day 5 – Reflection and Harvest

Activities:

1. Journal Prompt:

   • “What lessons does autumn teach us about change, letting go, and renewal?”

2. Final Project:
   Choose one of the following:

   • Presentation: Show your leaf collection, artwork, or poem with a short oral explanation.

   • Essay: “The Science and Spirit of Autumn” — blend scientific and personal perspectives, based on what you have learned this week.

   • Portfolio: Compile journal entries, sketches, and research into a nature notebook.

3. Discussion:

• Share highlights from the week and something new you noticed about the season.

Pick up the ENTIRE SERIES right now - plus several bonus units - in our Cottage Shop.

These units are appropriate for grades 9-12, but can be tailored to fit a family-style learning format.  They are designed to be used in a single week OR in a Fun Friday format, completing one day of the unit each week of the month.  Each day takes 1-2 hours. This bundle includes the basic twelve, tailored to each month of the year, plus EIGHT bonus units!