Ah, December. The month when educators are counting down days, doctoral students are counting down citations, and journalers are counting down pages left before buying a new notebook.

But here’s the truth: December is secretly one of the best months for reflection and connection.

• Educators: Think about it. Your students’ holiday energy is the gift that keeps on giving. (Did someone say classroom karaoke at 8 a.m.?) But also, what’s one gift of growth or laughter they gave you this year?
• Doctoral Students: Your research is basically like untangling Christmas lights. You think it’ll take five minutes, but somehow, you’re still at it hours later. Still, what’s one “lightbulb moment” from your research this year?
• Journalers: Your journal doesn’t judge you for writing “I’ll get to it tomorrow” 14 days in a row. What unexpected insight or laugh did journaling gift you this year?

So as the year closes, let’s unwrap it with a smile:

• Even the messy drafts, noisy classrooms, and half-finished journal entries are gifts.
• The bows don’t have to be perfect. Progress still counts.
• And sometimes the best stories come from the bloopers, not the polished moments.

 Now it’s your turn: Head down to the comment section of this blog and share the funniest or most surprising “gift” 2025 handed you. Bonus points if it came wrapped in chaos.