Save

That week in between Christmas and New Years is a great opportunity to slow down, reset your routines, and create intentional moments of connection with your toddler. While they may be too young to grasp new year resolutions or the full idea of a new calendar year, they can enjoy simple, hands-on activities that gently introduce concepts like time, counting, family traditions, and fresh starts.

If you are looking for something to occupy your time with your kiddo during the New Year week, I have some ideas to share! This roundup includes easy learning moments, sweet keepsake ideas, and playful ways to celebrate the countdown together. Whether you’re homeschooling, adding structure to your morning time, or simply looking for festive activities to enjoy as a family, these ideas help you create a meaningful and memory filled start to the year with your little one.

Save

1. Learn Concepts Of Time

Depending on the age of your toddler, this can be a fun time of year for them to learn about some basic concepts of time and the passing of time. In our New Years Homeschool Unit we have several activities to help your child learn the 12 months of the year, the basic idea of a clock, and practice counting up and down from 1-12.

12 Months In A Year

• Calendar Flip Activity

Give them a small paper calendar. Flip each page together and say the month: “January… flip… February… flip…” Let them flip the pages. They love the control, and it builds memory!

• Month-of-the-Year Song

Use a catchy tune. Sing it daily during morning time.

• Seasonal Sorting

Lay out 4 pictures per season (snow, flowers, pool, pumpkins) and talk about: “Winter is December, January, February…” This introduces the idea that months belong in groups.

Basics Of A Clock

Teach only the very basic ideas at this age:

• A clock has numbers
• The numbers go in a circle
• The big hand and little hand point

No need for telling time yet. Just recognition!

Save

Paper Plate Clock Craft

Draw or glue numbers 1–12 around a paper plate. Attach two arrows with a brad.

Practice Counting 1-12

• Count Everything Naturally: 12 blocks, 12 animal crackers, 12 toy cars in a line.
• Number Line Hop: Tape numbers 1–12 on the floor. Call a number… they jump to it.
• Use a dozen egg carton! Write numbers 1–12 inside the cups. Have them place 1 object in #1, 2 in #2… all the way to 12.

Save

2. Age Appropriate New Years Goals

• Keep goals broad, not measurable.
• Focus on skills, not outcomes.
• Use pictures! Preschoolers understand things visually.
• Revisit goals monthly in a fun way (“Let’s see what we’ve learned!”).
• Celebrate small wins with praise and routines, not pressure.

A Simple Goal-Setting Activity You Can Do:

Sit down on New Year’s morning or New Year’s Eve and fill out a little “My New Year Goals” sheet. Ask simple questions and write down their answers:

• This year I want to try…
• This year I want to learn…
• This year I want to help…
• This year I want to remember…

Add a handprint, photo, or drawing. Keep it for next year!

Or skip the DIY and grab our printable worksheets here!

Save

3. Make Your Own Countdown Chain

A New Year’s countdown doesn’t have to be complicated! Preschoolers and toddlers in general love anything hands-on, colorful, and interactive. Which is why a DIY countdown chain is the perfect activity to help them understand the idea of time passing. Simply cut strips of paper, let your little one decorate them with crayons or stickers (if you choose), and then loop and tape them into a long chain. Each day (or each hour), your child gets to tear off one link as a visual way to “count down” to New Year’s. It’s playful, and gives them a sense of anticipation without relying on screens or clocks. Plus, it’s an easy opportunity to practice counting, colors, and fine motor skills. All while building excitement for the year ahead!

Save

4. Read A Book About New Years

Another simple way to help preschoolers understand New Year’s is by reading a themed picture book together. “The Night Before New Year’s” by Natasha Wing is a perfect choice. This playful story follows a family as they prepare for the big night. Decorating, celebrating, and trying their best to stay awake until midnight. Reading it together builds early literacy skills, and also gives you a chance to talk about traditions, celebrations, and what your own family will be doing as the countdown approaches.

OTHER BOOKS TO CONSIDER:

You’re My Little Firecracker by Nicola Edwards 

The New Year’s Resolution Checklist by Brittany Plumeri

---

Save

Want a done-for-you guide loaded with activities for you and your preschooler? We have you covered!