Amr Zaki's tenth league goal of the season made sure Latics finished the year with three points in a tense game at the Reebok Stadium.
Andy O'Brien's blatant push on Henri Camara just before half-time left referee Phil Dowd with no option but to award a spot-kick, and Zaki duly stood up and fired past Jaaskelainen to score the winner.
In what was for the majority a scrappy affair, typical of a local derby, Latics were the better side overall, controlling the play and creating good opportunities.
It was always going to be a tight, physical encounter and Steve Bruce's men made an excellent account of themselves, not shy to challenge hard and clever when in possession.
Lee Cattermole revelled in such a game, loving any opportunity to put in a tackle and clean up the opposition's attack.
Antonio Valencia and Ryan Taylor not only provided relief out on the wings but caused Bolton's defence plenty of problems, holding up the ball when necessary and running at the full-backs with plenty of purpose.
Taylor had another influential game on the keft side of midfield, further cementing his place in the first team. His accuracy and confident style of play earned him plenty of applause from the travelling fans as he came off as a late substitute for Kevin Kilbane.
Another confident performance from the Latics defence prevented Bolton from getting back in the game.
There were a few tense moments as the home side pushed forward late on, but the safe hands of Mike Pollitt, in the squad after Chris Kirkland picked up a slight injury in the warm-up, and good organisation from the back four kept the opposition at bay.
In the end Zaki's goal was enough to take all three points. Rounding off an excellent Christmas period and lifting Latics into 7th place in the league.
