I just love January. The organizer in me loves new calendars, new organizers, the promise of a new school semester. The cozy introverted part of me loves the colder weather and being warm and cozy at home, snuggled up with hot chocolate and a good book and having things slow down. It is going to be a great month in so many ways.
This month we are celebrating:
Christmastide until Epiphany
6- Epiphany
15- Martin Luther King Jr Day
31 – St. John Bosco, celebrating with books and maybe a viewing of a movie about his life
If you are thinking about:
Rhythm – this is one of THE best back posts on rhythm for families with children of different ages. It includes tips for families with early years children to teenagers, and links to a seven part series on rhythm.
Fun things to do with children: Cut out paper snowflakes, including really cool 3-D snowflakes; dip candles; roll candles; play board games or card games with your children; draw, paint, model; whittle wood; make popcorn together; bake together; play in the snow – build snow forts; have snowball fights; snowshoe; downhill or cross country ski; ice skate on a pond; read and tell stories; build forts inside; take a walk outside in the cold – look for animal tracks or berries or birds or all of the above; knit, crochet, cross stitch, finger knit, spin, sew; sing and make music together – learn some new songs; clean, scrub, dust, work around the house – rearrange furniture; go bowling or find an indoor swimming pool to swim in; write letters to family and friends; write stories together; snuggle on the coach with hot chocolate and marshmellows; cook for a neighbor; find a place of worship to attend and get involved; throw a party; clicker train your dog, cat, or other animal; take care of plants; start seeds indoors when it it is time
Meal planning: I am thinking about overnight steel cut oats for breakfast; soups; roasts; fresh squeezed sunny juices to counteract the cold outside
Health: Rest and replenishment and getting outside! Even with the cold! Have you seen the 365 Mile Challenge?
Reaching Out: I will be focusing on the issues that is part of the public policy of The Episcopal Church. We will also be reaching out in service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
My Word of the Year: #Replenish: I am setting goals as to what replenishment would look like in action to me.
I would love to hear what you are up to!
Blessings and love,
Carrie
The Parenting Passageway 
I love January, too! For all those reasons – the planning, the organizing, the winter fun, the cozy evenings. I know so many people who find January very bleak and difficult – thank you for your joyful message & the inspiration you bring here. 🙂
Hi Stacey,
I love January; I often find February difficult though! So, this year I am trying to plan something fun for our family in February. 🙂
Blessings,
Carrie
Inspiring as always 💚
I want to come to your school, Carrie!
Aw, kind words! Same could be said for your wonderful school and nature studies! Happy New Year Lynn!
Blessings,
Carrie
I think of the months in colors and while January isn’t bleak to me, it is blue. I do feel an emotional dip as we come down from the festivities of December. Oh, I love all of your ideas for things to do with children! I also love that you are thoughtful about how these different aspects of your own life can be considered seasonally with each month in mind. My word for the year is Happy. I shared about it on my blog.
I love your word! Would you post a link to your blog post here in case my readers want to find it?
Blessings and love,
Carrie
Carrie, thank you for asking. Yes, here it is. http://creativelightless.blogspot.com/2017/12/happy.html