As we step into a new year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on our November and December activities. Life got wonderfully busy with the holidays, and while I didn’t get a chance to write earlier, these months were filled with festive moments, small wins, and meaningful lessons.
2024 was a challenging year in many ways, but it also brought hope, joy, and opportunities for growth. Let’s look back at how we ended the year and what lies ahead.
Wrapped up the month of November
In November, we embraced the spirit of gratitude and started incorporating holiday-themed learning activities. While the month was busy, we made time for creative and hands-on experiences that brought the season to life for Theodore. Some highlights included:
- DIY Crafts and Ornaments:
We began crafting simple ornaments and holiday decorations together. It was a great way for Theodore to practice his fine motor skills while exploring colors and textures. These moments were messy but so much fun! - Gratitude Practices:
We continued adding to our gratitude journal, reflecting on what we were thankful for each day. It was a heartwarming exercise that reminded us to find joy in the little things.
December: Christmas Magic and Learning Together
December brought the magic of Christmas and the excitement of preparing for the holidays. Even with the holiday rush, we found ways to keep learning fun and meaningful:
- Holiday Busy Book:
I created a special holiday-themed busy book for Theodore, filled with activities like matching games, puzzles, and coloring pages. We worked on it whenever we had free time, and it became a favorite quiet-time activity. - Christmas-Themed Math Activities:
We practiced counting and sorting with Christmas ornaments, turning holiday decorations into learning opportunities. Theodore loved placing ornaments on the tree while practicing numbers. - Reading Holiday Stories:
Storytime took on a festive twist as we explored holiday-themed books. We also talked about different cultural traditions during Christmas, introducing Theodore to the beauty of diversity. - Creating a Holiday Calendar:
To keep us on track during the busy season, I made a holiday calendar with daily learning activities. It was simple but helped us balance fun, learning, and holiday preparations.
Grateful for 2024 and Excited for 2025
Looking back, 2024 wasn’t without its challenges. Our business took a hit, and balancing everything was tough, but it also brought new opportunities. I’m excited and grateful to be back in the game in the tech world, which will be a big step for our family. While this means my schedule will be tighter, I’m committed to continuing Little Dots Learning creating resources for moms like me who want to teach their little ones through play-based learning even if it means posting once a month.
Homeschooling remains a long-term goal for us, but for now, our focus is on Theodore’s speech development. We’re praying for significant progress this year and are hopeful he’ll be talking more confidently by the end of 2025.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey
As life gets busier, I’ll do my best to keep sharing resources, tips, and insights on our learning journey. For moms juggling multiple roles, I hope this space continues to inspire and remind you that progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
Here’s to a new year filled with learning, growth, and love!
Until next time, happy learning and creating!
with love, Joanna
If you’re looking for holiday-themed resources or ideas for play-based learning, check out the free printables and guides on my Resources Page.
I’d also love to hear how you wrapped up 2024, share your experiences in the comments or connect with me on social media. Let’s continue growing and supporting each other in this amazing journey of parenthood.
