December| Monthly Review 2025
December Review: Ending the Year Gently
Two weeks into the new year, and I’m still determined to catch up on my monthly goals and monthly review for December. Before moving fully into my plans for 2026, I wanted to pause and reflect on how the year actually ended.
The easiest way to do that felt simple: scrolling through my Photos app.
As I looked back, I couldn’t help but smile. Most of the pictures were of me out and about, living, exploring, showing up. In many ways, this December review surprised me.
Letting Go of “Finishing Strong”
Going into December, I thought I’d push myself harder than usual. You know the mindset finish strong, squeeze everything in, end the year on a high. However, by around the 10th, everyday stresses started creeping in. Instead of forcing productivity, I made a different choice.
I decided to relax.
I let go of rigid expectations and allowed myself to go with the flow. Because of that, December turned out to be far more eventful—and meaningful—than I expected.
One of the biggest highlights of this month was creating my very first Christmas tradition for myself. More importantly, I followed through with it. I celebrated, even when it felt heavy, and I didn’t completely break down in the process.
For a long time, I haven’t been able to fully enjoy December or the Christmas season. It often comes with complicated emotions. But this year, for the first time, I found myself moving through the low moments differently choosing positive thoughts and accepting life as it is, rather than fighting it.
A Colorful December
Looking back, the best word to describe December is colorful.
- I wore my hair out for the first time this year.
- I visited a museum.
- I bought my favorite bouquet of the year, hydrangeas, which are slowly becoming my favorite flower.
- I enjoyed Christmas Day and only cried once (a personal win).
- I worked out a ton, even after braiding my hair which is truly inconvenient when you’re active.
- I ate really good food.
- I created content for my social media pages.
- I went paragliding for the first time.
- I spent time noticing beautiful flowers and trees.
Each of these moments might seem small on their own, but together they tell a fuller story of how I lived and showed up this month.
Ending the Year on a High Note
Ending December by attending the fireworks display at the Waterfront was, without a doubt, the perfect way to close the year and welcome the next one. It felt intentional, symbolic, and grounding, exactly what I needed. You can check out Novembers monthly review to see if I improved or not.
As I wrap up this December monthly review, my hope is simple: that your 2025 was filled with sparks, laughter, and peace, and that 2026 brings you even more moments of love, growth, and quiet joy.
Continue being curious.
December Review
Academic & Research
- 60 hours of academic & research pomodoros ❌
- Draft the Ontology Evaluation section ❌
Fitness & Strength
- Complete daily Activity Rings ✅
- 10 reps of 60kg Bulgarian split squat (Smith Machine) ❌
- 5 reps of 90kg Barbell Squat ✅
- 5 tricep dips ❌
- 5 hanging raises ✅
Health & Routine
- Complete Whole30 ✅
Lifestyle
- Get a full body massage ❌
- Create my first Christmas tradition ✅
- Plan a short personal retreat or solo reflection day — to set your 2026 tone. ❌
- Tick off 3 items from the 101 Challenge
- Iziko South African Art Museum ✅
- Ziplining in Cape Town ✅
- Spend a day at the beach ❌
- Go see the Penguins ❌
- Go para-gliding off Signal Hill ❌
Personal Development
- Created a Vision board vs Reality Reel ❌
- Read Why we sleep ✅
- Read Sense and Sensibility ❌
My overall score for December still lands at a strong 10/10.
December Monthly Reflection
What was the most memorable part of this past month? Describe it.
Setting up the Christmas tree for the first time. I was not ready for the wave of emotions that came with it but I am proud of myself for going through with the motions of decorating the tree and enjoying it throughout the month.
What were the three biggest lessons you’ve learned in this past month?
- Pay for convenience . Sometimes spending more money is exactly what you need to enjoy an experience.
- Go outside. Most often than not, you will enjoy going out rather than staying home by yourself.
- I need better stress management. Especially understanding how stress manifests physically in my body.
Review your planner for the past month and assess your priorities. Are you happy with how you spent your time? If not, what steps can you take next month to adjust them?
- I was determined to finish the year strong but felt so tired by the time we got to the 10th December.
- I loved how fully I lived outside without planning out everything.
What did you accomplish this past month? What are you most proud of?
- Celebrated Christmas and decorated my first tree since 2022
- Squatted 90Kg for 8 reps
- Achieved 20 rep push-ups
- Went on 4 solo dates
- Journaled everyday
How are you different between this past month and the month before it?
December started out with trying to end the year STRONG but it ended up as a month full of ADVENTURE, lots of sunlight and the end of a CHAPTER.
What or who are you especially grateful for this past month?
- Tshepi for helping me with my documentation
- New financial planning client
- AIRU Research group and Tharien
- Phone call from Aaron
- The emotions that swell up every time I listen to Higher Love
- Ruvareshe for bringing the tablet accessories
- Money
- My flat that became my home for the passed 27 months
Name three things you can improve on this upcoming month. What concrete actions can you take to work towards these improvements?
I will maintain the same things from last month because I think they are still relevant
- Using Pomos or figuring out a method that allows me to execute my passion projects
- I will keep going for my walks in the morning and getting through my “Magic Hour Morning Routine”
- Take dedicated rest on weekends
