December was a crazy busy month. Have I said that already? I feel like I've said that already...

Anyway, December is my busiest month of the year, both for work and my personal life. There are more events to go to and a shorter amount of time for me to get the same amount of work done. That said, other than a few snags here and there, the last month of 2021 went pretty smoothly, and I ended the year without the burnout I've come to expect over the last decade or so.

Last week, I shared my personal best purchases from the last year. Today, I'm sharing the 10 things that made the most of an impact on my day-to-day life in December, regardless of who bought them. As you'll see, quite a few of the items that made this month's list were gifts.

Satin Sleep Mask - I got this as part of a grab bag sale with Monat. There was quite a few useful items in that grab bag, but this mask is by far the most-used thing that came with it. When I say that this mask has made a huge impact on my sleep, I mean it! The fact that it's satin means it's not uncomfortable to sleep in and has a lower risk of causing skin issues. Since this was a limited offer from Monat, I found a mask that is almost identical to the one I have and linked to it for you.

Monat Revitalizing Skin Essence - I'd been seeing several people I know give rave reviews for this product, so I decided to give it a try. I could tell a difference with the very first use! You apply this after you've washed your face followed by a moisturizer. Since adding it into my daily skin routine, my skin is more hydrated, my pores are smaller, and my makeup goes on so much smoother.

Winky Lux In the Stars Lip Oil - This came in my FabFitFun winter box, which had a bunch of great products. This just happens to be the one that I'm using every day and will most likely reorder. It's like a gloss but made with all-natural oils. My lips have been so much moister since I started using it, and it seems to outlast my other chapsticks.

Chelsea Boots - If you follow me on Instagram, then you know I've been wearing the heck out of my black Chelsea boots. I also have a brown pair, which I love, but the black is a lot easier to wear.

Mug Warmer - This was one of my Christmas gifts from the hubs, and although I've only had it a little over a week, it has been putting in the work! I don't know how I've gone so long working at home without one. I really like that this one is weight-sensitive, so it's only on when your mug is on it.

The Book Seat - This might be my favorite Christmas gift. My mom got it for me, and I use it literally every day. It is so amazing. I'm actually going to get something similar for Alexis to use with her tablet so she'll quit trying to steal mine!

Lighted Makeup Mirror - My husband got me this awesome mirror for Christmas, as well. I'm pretty sure the one I've linked to is the exact one I've got. It's got three different light settings to choose between, plus three different magnification levels and a built-in tray to hold miscellaneous items.

Black Converse - These were a Christmas gift from my mother-in-law, and I've been wearing them pretty much non-stop since I got them. I really like Converse's shoreline slip-ons. They're not quite as long as the traditional Chucks, although I've got a few pair of them, too. I've been needing a new pair of black ones for awhile, so I'm happy to finally have that hole in my shoe rack plugged.