One of the best things about Christmas is that it appeals to all of the senses:

• the sounds of bells ringing and Christmas carols playing.
• the lights and decorations.
• the smell of pine trees and fresh snow and cookies baking.
• the taste of special Christmas treats.
• the feel of velvet and warm blankets and the warmth of a crackling fire.

But too often we can’t appreciate these appeals to our senses for one of two reasons: 1) we are too busy rushing around to actually enjoy them or 2) we are just overwhelmed by all of it.

Fortunately, there’s a solution to both of those things. If you’ve been keeping to the countdown, you have some space in your days to just sit back or take a walk and enjoy without stressing about what comes next. When you are on sensory overload, step back and turn things off. Take a few hours in silence, with no Christmas music playing or lights on. Just let yourself be in the waiting. It will make it even better when you plug in again.