In this Christmas episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we trade our usual “What are you reading?” segment for a festive book exchange! The Core Four each brings a book to give, sparking conversation about classic stories, meaningful reading, and the traditions that shape the season. We recommend beloved Christmas books for children and adults, reflect on why great Christmas stories endure, and offer ideas for reading together as a family.

Christmas Book Exchange 2025 list:

The Mythmakers —John Hendrix (From Paul, To Martin)

West with the Night —Beryl Markham (From Martin, To Jessica)

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes —Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (From Tanya, To Paul)

Hamnet —Maggie O'Farrell (From Jessica, To Tanya)

Is Memoria Press Catholic or Protestant—and what does “ecumenical” really mean in Christian education?

In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explain how _Mere Christianity_ guides our Christian Studies program and how we focus on the core beliefs shared by historic Christianity. We discuss the differences between "teaching" doctrine and "teaching about" doctrine, the role of the creeds, and how classical education approaches Scripture, church history, and doctrine at different stages of a student’s formation. This conversation offers clarity for parents and teachers seeking a thoughtful, faithful, and intellectually honest approach to Christian education—one that emphasizes unity without avoiding depth.

*What We're Reading* from This Episode:

"Against the Machine" Paul Kingsnorth (Martin)

"The Snow Walker" Farley Mowat (Martin)

"Tolstoy or Dostoevsky" George Steiner (Martin)

"Twenty Years After" Alexandre Dumas (Paul)

Frederick Douglas Biography (Dustin)

What is a house system, and why do our classical schools use them? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore how the house system works at Highlands Latin School—where it came from, what it accomplishes, and why students love it. From leadership and service to school culture and community, we look at how houses shape students in meaningful, lasting ways. Whether you're part of a classical school, a homeschool community, or simply curious about this tradition, join the conversation and see why the house system has become such an important part of our classical education.

*What We're Reading* from This Episode:

"Guardians of Tradition" Ruth Miller Elson (Martin)

"Without Precedent" Joel Richard Paul (Shawn)

"The Wind in the Willows" Kenneth Grahame (Daniel)