While I am a classroom teacher and love all things office supplies, I also have many people in my life who love all things paper, office supply and feeling organized. You have to admit: There is nothing like a new planner or journal to make you feel on top of it and ready to take on the world. This post gathers some ideas about the person in your life who appreciates the same feelings you may have toward sticky notes, new pens, and stickers that can make your day better. Remember, this is a gift guide for other people, but you may find yourself clicking “add to cart” for yourself as well. My favorite thing about gifting office supplies is that the “treat yo’ self” factor does not have to be a big one. Sometimes a small pack of pencils can make my day better. Have fun spreading some holiday cheer with all things paper, writing, journaling, and organization!

I have been writing a lot about burnout here on the blog and in my journal. If I look back at my morning pages, it is something that has slowly been building up since we went back-to-school in September. Because I have always felt that December is a month for reflection, I wanted to highlight that purpose in my December pages this month. If I compare my October reflection page to my November reflection page, I have already made some changes in terms of physical wellness and professional wellness. I have engaged in the idea of trying to balance the six different areas of self-care: physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social, and sensory. While I always feel like self-care is a concept that isn’t obtained, kind of like “work-life balance,” it is a word that is a strong reminder to put yourself first before the work.

Rachel Hollis in Girl, Stop Apologizing said, “When everything is important, nothing is important” (97). These words are so powerful, especially in December. I am getting better at understanding that everything can’t be important. We only have three weeks until winter break (not four this year!), and I want to make sure that in the rush I am celebrating small wins on a daily basis and setting the intention to practice regular self-care not for the sake of sounding good, but the ability to keep teaching month after month. December is about small wins…and all things merry and bright.