welcome.
My tips for you,
1. read the AIM like you're doing. Especially the parts on airport procedures (all of which are included in the written test).
2. read the flying handbook (its the bible for a student pilot)
3. whatever you do not understand in the flying hamdbook.. search it in youtube and/or google it. Free online vids can be your second instructor.. maybe even first lol.. not all CFIs are good.
4. IF your completely new to aviation, engines, and basic physics then I recommend the aeronautical knowledge handbook. This book tells you EVERYTHING you need to know. People with good aviation knowledge, and mechanical background and aviation experience will have no need for this book. I bought this book and never read a single chapter. Never even opened the book (as of yet anyway).
5. watch vids on takeoffs/landings and basic flight maneuvers.
6. watch vids on flight instruments.
7. watch vids about weather.
8. since your going to start training in the spring... start studying for the written test now. Buy the private pilot asa test prep. You can have your written test knocked out before you even take your first lesson (which is what I did).
9. The test prep is also a good study/info aid. With explanations for each question. If you understand why the answers are the answers your already 80% there knowledge wise. The remaining knowledge you get learn during training by flying the plane and doing cross country's/flight planning and from your CFI.
10. Again you have time till spring, so get that medical done. Third class is all you need for now.
11. after you pass the written, start studying the oral exam guide, and refer and match up the questions with similar ones in the test prep. The oral exam guide is test prep questions in a slightly different format.
12. And like most people you will be youtube-ing stuff on VORSs ADFs and cross country's at steps 8-11.
you can have all the above done before you even do your first official lesson. And it will save you months of time and learning, so you cant get that cert that much quicker. You want to be able to understand something right away when your CFI brings it up. If on your first lesson you completely understand that "power is altitude and pitch is airspeed", and you understand how flaps work, ground effect, how the altimeter and airspeed indicator works... why a plane turns, why an airplane flies, your CFI will be impressed and advance your training faster. Many people go into thier first lesson not knowing what an aileron is lol.
good luck and welcome.