For better or for worse (we’re not judging), it’s time to say “goodbye Biden” and “hello Trump.” According to the 20th Amendment to the US Constitution, a president's four-year term ends at noon on Jan. 20. Shortly afterwards, the president-elect is sworn in.
This time in history is always something I look forward to experiencing with my kids, especially as a homeschooling family. It’s not a time for us to discuss “politics” in the usual sense. Rather, we discuss our country’s government and its history, along with some of the facts about the Executive Branch of the US.
I found this Beautiful Inauguration Day packet online for FREE at ThatHomeschoolFamily.com. All I had to do was sign-up for the email list! This printable is 60 pages and includes loads of general Inauguration Day info, fill-in-the-blank sheets, and fun activities.
I printed it out for us to do on Monday alongside MLK Jr. Day activities that we have planned (See this article for more on that.)
I also purchased a packet for $3.50 on the TeachersPayTeachers website. This Inauguration Packet is about 20 pages long and is specifically for the 2025 Inauguration and includes specifics about the 2025 incoming President Trump and V.P. Vance.
Locally, here are a couple of events for Woodlands-area famlies:
- Inauguration Day Sale at Dannini. The store is offering 20% off all their exquisite jewelry. Also offering Mimosas and Wine Flights.
- Inauguration Day - Watch live at Grace Woodlands Church.
Now, about the events on January 20, 2025.
The theme of this year's ceremonies is "Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise." Trump’s ceremony is expected to begin at around 10:30am CST, and you should be able to stream it online via our favorite national news stations or YouTube. Here’s the typical schedule for the Inauguration Day ceremony.
- Procession to the Capitol
- Vice President's swearing-in ceremony
- President's swearing-in ceremony
- Inaugural address
- Honorary departure of the outgoing President and Vice President
- Signing ceremony, during which the new President signs nominations, memorandums, proclamations or executive orders
- Inaugural luncheon;
- Pass In Review, during which the President and Vice President review military troops before leading the parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.
Please note – Inauguration Day festivities include church services, Tea at the White House, a parade, formal balls, and more. The list above is just for the ceremony.
Here are some performances to expect for this year’s inauguration:
- Musical prelude performed by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Combined Choirs and "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band
- Opera Singer Christopher Macchio will sing "Oh, America!"
- Carrie Underwood, joined by the Armed Forces Chorus and the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club, will perform "America the Beautiful."
- The Naval Academy Glee Club will sing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Besides watching online festivities, here are some things you can do for Inauguration Day with the kids:
- Do activites in one or both of the learning packets referenced above.
- Create a time capsule. This is fun to do every 4 years! Your child can include photos, trinkets, a floorplan showing how their bedroom is currently laid out, newspaper clippings, etc.
- Bake cookies or cupcakes and decorate in patriotic colors.
- Learn the National Anthem.
- Pretend to be the new President and give a pretend Inauguration Speech.
- Reach books about Presidents.
- Follow this kid-friendly YouTube tuturial to draw the White House:
