National Cocoa Day on December 13 celebrates the warm comfort of hot cocoa, a drink whose roots stretch back thousands of years to the Olmecs and Mayans, who first cultivated cacao—the “food of the gods.” From Columbus introducing cocoa beans to Europe, to Spanish physicians praising its health benefits, to early American chocolate makers like John Hanan and Dr. James Baker refining it in the colonies, hot chocolate has long been a treasured treat. Today we enjoy it in countless varieties, topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate curls, yet its greatest sweetness may be how it brings people together. As we gather with loved ones and savor a warm cup, we’re reminded that God places us in families to learn joy, patience, and love—inviting us to strengthen our homes and relationships as part of His Story today.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/hot-chocolateday-6

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

Gingerbread House Day, celebrated each year on December 12, honors a beloved Christmas tradition that began centuries ago with the arrival of gingerbread in Europe, brought by Gregory of Nicopolis in 992 AD. Over time, gingerbread became an art form—shaped into saints, royal portraits, and festive figures, eventually leading German bakers in the early 1800s to create the first decorated gingerbread houses inspired by the tale of Hansel and Gretel. Gingerbread later became a symbol of Christmas celebration worldwide, with intricate cottages, candies, and frosting turning simple dough into seasonal joy—highlighted even by record-breaking creations like the 67-foot-tall gingerbread house built in 2001. As we build our own gingerbread houses today, we’re reminded to spiritually build our homes as well, making them “a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, [and] a house of God” (D&C 88:119).

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/gingerbread-house-7

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

International Mountain Day highlights the beauty and importance of the world’s mountains, which cover about a quarter of Earth’s land and supply most of the planet’s fresh water. Mountains form through tectonic forces—folding, faulting, or volcanic activity—creating ranges like the Himalayas, Sierra Nevada, and Mount Fuji. They provide food, energy, clean air, recreation, and habitats for wildlife and people. This day encourages youth and communities to protect mountain environments and appreciate these “water towers of the world.” From hiking and learning local geology to sharing photos and stewardship efforts, it’s a reminder of how mountains inspire us to look upward and care for the earth.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/international-mountain-6

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

Emily Dickinson, born December 10, 1830, in Amherst, Massachusetts, became one of America’s most influential poets, known for her brief, striking lines and deep emotional insight. Living a mostly secluded life, she wrote over 1,700 poems—many exploring nature, hope, faith, and doubt—often in hymn-like meter that later shaped modern poetry. Her famous works like “Hope Is the Thing with Feathers” reveal her gift for vivid metaphor, written from her small bedroom desk. Though little of her writing was published during her lifetime, her sister preserved her poems after her death, leading to their posthumous publication and the worldwide admiration Dickinson enjoys today.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/emily-dickenson-7

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

A Charlie Brown Christmas first aired on December 9, 1965, becoming an instant classic and offering a simple message about the true meaning of Christmas. Though considered a risky project—bringing Schulz’s quiet comic-strip world to animation—the special drew more than 15 million viewers on its debut night. The story follows Charlie Brown as he searches for Christmas purpose amid commercialism, with Linus ultimately reciting Luke 2:11–14 to remind him of Christ’s birth. Created quickly and against network doubts, the special won an Emmy, reshaped holiday television, and launched decades of Peanuts programs, with Vince Guaraldi’s music and Schulz’s heartfelt message leaving a lasting influence.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/charlie-brownchristmas-6

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

Eli Whitney, born December 8, 1765, in Massachusetts, revolutionized American agriculture with his 1794 invention of the cotton gin, a machine that removed seeds from cotton far faster than hand labor and transformed cotton into the nation’s leading export by the mid-1800s. A naturally gifted mechanic who once built a nail forge and violin, Whitney studied at Yale before moving to Georgia, where he learned of the difficulties farmers faced in cleaning cotton and set aside his law plans to solve the problem. Though his patent was widely pirated and brought little profit, the cotton gin reshaped both Northern industry and Southern agriculture—tragically increasing slavery as demand for cotton grew. Whitney later developed interchangeable musket parts, a breakthrough that advanced American manufacturing and brought him financial success. Remembered as the “Father of American Technology,” Whitney showed how using one’s talents to meet real needs can bless countless lives.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/eli-whitney-6

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, destroying or damaging much of the U.S. Pacific fleet—including the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma—and killing 2,403 Americans, which prompted President Roosevelt’s “date which will live in infamy” speech and brought the United States into World War II. Though the assault devastated battleships and aircraft, key resources such as oil depots, repair facilities, and aircraft carriers survived, enabling America to recover quickly and unite in the war effort. Pearl Harbor’s tragedy teaches the lasting lesson of preparedness—just as promptings from the Spirit help us face unexpected trials with faith, readiness, and courage.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/pearl-harbor-7

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

St. Nicholas, a 3rd-century Christian from what is now Turkey, devoted his inherited wealth to serving the poor, becoming Bishop of Myra and earning a reputation for generosity, courage, and compassion—especially through stories like secretly providing dowries for three impoverished daughters, which inspired modern Christmas gift-giving traditions. After enduring persecution, attending the Council of Nicaea, and dying on December 6, AD 343, Nicholas’s kindness spread across Europe, eventually evolving into Sinterklaas in the Netherlands and later influencing Washington Irving’s writings, Clement Moore’s “The Night Before Christmas,” and Thomas Nast’s drawings that shaped the modern Santa Claus. His life reflects the spirit of giving shown by the Wise Men, reminding us to offer gifts of love, service, and time—treasures that cannot be bought.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/saint-nicholas-6

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.