The holiday season is here—a whirlwind of joy, celebration, and, let’s face it, a little chaos. As someone who’s lived with anxiety since childhood, I know how easy it is to feel overwhelmed this time of year. But over the years, I’ve discovered a secret: calm isn’t found in doing more—it’s found in the quiet moments when we choose to pause and breathe.

For me, calm has always been tied to scent. As a little girl, I remember the magic of grape-scented stickers on my school folders, how they could instantly take me to a happy place. That childhood discovery sparked a lifelong fascination with how scent can ground us, soothe us, and even transform a stressful day.

Here’s how I’m finding calm this holiday season—and how you can, too:

1. Create Scent Anchors

Set up specific scents around your home that signal "relaxation time." In my home, I love lighting our Balsam & Cedar candle in the evening. The combination of balsam, cedar, eucalyptus, and pine instantly transports me to the peaceful solitude of the Adirondack forest. These forest notes are scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety – it's not just in our heads!

2. Practice Gratitude Through Sensory Experiences

When I feel overwhelmed, I pause and engage my senses, especially smell. Our Sunday Morning Candle with its notes of maple and cinnamon, reminds me of precious family moments – skiing with my dad and coming home to my mom's silver dollar pancakes. This simple act of mindful scenting helps ground me in gratitude for life's simple pleasures.

3. Create Mindful Morning Rituals

Start your day before the chaos begins. I keep our Mount Marcy room spray by my bedside. A quick spritz while taking three deep breaths helps set a calm intention for the day. Remember, you don't have to tackle everything at once.

4. Take "Scent Breaks"

Just like that young girl with her scratch-and-sniff stickers, I still take what I call "scent breaks" throughout the day. Keep a small bottle of essential oil or our travel-sized products in your bag. When you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to smell something calming. The direct connection between scent and our brain's limbic system makes this an incredibly effective stress-management tool.

5. Gift Yourself Permission to Slow Down

The holidays aren't about perfection – they're about connection. Sometimes the best gift you can give yourself and others is your present, calm presence. Light a candle, apply some magnesium spray, and take a moment to just be. Remember, stress reduction isn't selfish – it's necessary.

At Pure Placid, we believe in creating "vacations for your mind," especially during busy times like the holidays. Each product we create is intentionally crafted to help you find moments of peace amidst the chaos. As we move through this holiday season, I invite you to join me in using the power of scent to create calm moments. Whether it's through our carefully crafted fragrances or simply pausing to smell the pine needles on your Christmas tree, let's remember that peace often comes in these small, mindful moments. Wishing you a calm and joyful holiday season, Marcy