#AdventBlogs. What. A. Blast!
As its New Year’s Eve, it is time to put the 2025 #AdventBlogs to bed and to take a moment to reflect.
Firstly, I wanted to reflect on “Its time to change”, the theme that I chose at random whilst thinking about AI and interestingly, AI has barely been discussed in all 29 blogs so far! It also felt like a great theme as I was taking over from Gary Cookson who got the ball rolling with this years #AdventBlogs, so what have I learnt, discovered and experienced over the past month?
Firstly, I have been blown away by the generosity of the L&D community, with people sharing some really insightful, personal and reflective blogs and along with the engagement of people taking time out to read these, and interact with the blogs has been wonderful. This is one thing that I don’t want to change!
I have also loved connecting with many previous bloggers as well as connecting with new people and its amazed me how wide the blogs have spread.
Although its been a challenge adding the blogs to my website, working, prepping for Christmas as well as posting across social media, I have loved it. It has truly been exciting and energising, which has been much needed at the end of the year when many of us are running on empty.
So, what do I think is time to change? Well, I think for me, change is something that I enjoy and this year, a lot has changed! One of the major changes, was that I learnt to drive and passing a test is tough at the best of times, let alone in 2025. I decided on a whim to do it, after having a nightmare trying to replace a tap which would have involved multiple bus journeys and loosing a whole Saturday to sort it, so I called my dad who drove me around. It was this wake up call, that made me do it and I am thrilled that I did, as driving has granted me freedom and I have loved it.
My car is called Vinnie, as he is a Vauxhall Corsa and named by my niece. In the few months I have had him, we have been for weekends away, visited family, lots of shopping trips and in January, we are doing a roadtrip to Edinburgh to see a good friend and family that I dont see enough of.
What this has taught me, is not to give up, it took a number of goes (I am not saying how many!) and it has been one of the hardest things, but I did it. Reflecting on the past few months has made me think about how what I have achieved, and I feel excited for 2026. I have decided that I need to keep pushing myself and #AdventBlogs was one of those “just do it” moments.
In November, I did wonder if I wouldn’t have any offers, but in fact its been amazing and a joy to do. Its worth clicking on Blogs above, grabbing a drink and something to eat and take some time out to read them. They are amazing, as are the contributors, who I would like to thank, and as you read this, whoop and cheer, clap your hands and celebrate these amazing people.
The 2025 #AdventBloggers are:
Gary Cookson
Niall Gavin
Megan de Klerk
Callum Campbell
Rachel Dodd
Victoria Hall
Lois Burton
Ruhul Saiyed
Clare Haynes
Gail Hatfield
Scott Lieper
Kate Griffiths Lambeth
Katie Orman
Christie Engler
Sharon Green
Steve Browne
Tina Dickens
Gary Butterfield
David Hayden
Steve Thompson
Kerry Smith
Chris Nichols
Helen Bailey
Debs Barker
Bina Briggs
Neal Chamberlain
Anna Edmondson
Rachel Burnham
James Warburton
Thank you and see you in December 2026!
Thanks!