December at Firefly Forest School was a month of candlelight, stage lights and the quiet wonder of watching things grow. Our nature-based community in Bangkok celebrated Christmas together, got up close with eggs, chickens and earthworms, and said a proud farewell to our very first graduating class. Here are the highlights from a busy and heart-warming end to 2024.

Let the winter magic begin

We opened the month with a simple wish: let the winter magic begin! Classrooms filled with festive spirit, and on the eve of our Christmas celebration we sent the children home hoping that Santa would come to visit every one of them.

Winter festive preparations at Firefly Forest School, Bangkok

Even maths joined in. Miss Chanya led a Christmas maths class, giving numbers and counting a seasonal twist.

Christmas maths class with Miss Chanya at Firefly Forest School, Bangkok

Our Christmas party and candle walk

Our school Christmas party was a joyful celebration of the season, and the photos say it all. Thank you to everyone who joined in and helped make the day so special for our children.

Children at the Christmas party at Firefly Forest School, Bangkok
Children celebrating the school Christmas party at Firefly Forest School nature-based school in Bangkok

The closing activity of our Christmas celebration (กิจกรรมส่งท้ายงานคริสมาสต์) was one of the most moving moments of the year. Every child walked carrying a candle with care and concentration. This special Spiral Walk with candles is designed to nurture focus and gratitude in our little ones, and this year we embraced the power of the present moment.

And of course, Santa made an appearance. Santa Papa Robin is always kind, and his visit was a highlight of the season. From all of us at Firefly: Merry Christmas, everyone!

Santa visiting the children at Firefly Forest School, Bangkok

On stage: rehearsals and performances

Behind the festive cheer, our young performers were hard at work. In the middle of rehearsals, they were already dreaming of opening night. Our stage play was full of fun and creativity, a warm and imaginative story that showed off just how capable and charming our children are. Later in the month we also shared a set of “Defying Gravity” clips from the children.

Children rehearsing a stage play at Firefly Forest School, Bangkok

We also shared a clip from our karate class, another way our Explorers build body awareness and confidence.

Eggs, chickens and earthworms

Nature study carried on right through the festive season. Children learned about eggs and chickens through observation and contact with nature. They began to understand that every kind of growth has a beginning, and that an egg is a symbol of new life waiting to grow. Learning that starts with simple questions about eggs and chickens helps children connect small things to the bigger picture of life, and to appreciate what is sometimes overlooked.

Children observing eggs and chickens at Firefly Forest School, Bangkok

A few days later, our Explorers turned their attention underground. They watched earthworms slither through the soil, noticing how they move and why they matter for healthy soil. Understanding the life of these tiny creatures fosters a deeper connection with nature and helps children grow up caring for the environment around them.

Children learning about earthworms and soil at Firefly Forest School, Bangkok

Among the trees, we were reminded that children and trees have a lot in common: growth takes time and care. And the more we know about the world, the more we want to go on adventures.

Children among the trees at Firefly Forest School nature-based school in Bangkok

Our first cohort graduates

December also brought a milestone close to our hearts: our first cohort (เด็กๆรุ่นที่ 1) has graduated! We are so proud of them, and we look forward to seeing them next year in the Firefly village, primary school edition.

First graduating cohort at Firefly Forest School, Bangkok

As our school grows into primary, we are also welcoming new people to the team. Meet our team and find out more.

Curious what a year in the forest could look like for your child? Join one of our weekend playgroups, read about our programs from playgroup to primary, or book a school tour and come and see us at Lat Phrao Soi 35. We can’t wait to meet you.

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