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5 Senses and Your Holiday Home

By Sarah Aguirre, About.com

1. Activate the Sense of Sight.

You've slaved over the decorations for your home, but have you really seen them. Take a break from the hectic schedule and sit in a beautifully decorated room. Try sitting in a darkened room with a well lit Christmas tree. Bundle up and take a slow walk through the neighborhoods Christmas lights. Treat your eyes to a beautiful sight and enjoy the beauty.

2. Activate the Sense of Taste.

The baking part of the holiday season is enough stress to send your head spinning, but cut some of the work out of baking, by ordering baked goods from the bakery, or by trading baking services with a friend. Try swapping services. If you enjoy wrapping, offer to help her out with the pile of presents in exchange for cookies, cakes, bread, etc.

3. Activate the Sense of Smell.

The smell of warm cookies, pine trees, apple cider, and the other delights of Christmas can help you take a step back from the hectic holiday season. Commercially available candles, incense, and sprays come in the holiday scents. Try filling a saucepan half full of water, cinnamon sticks, orange peels, and some cloves. Simmer on the stovetop, adding water as the mixture reduces. It will fill your home with a great smell.

4. Activate the Sense of Hearing.

Holiday music, children laughing, even a classic holiday movie, can help you hear your way to a happier holiday season. Add a new cd to your holiday collection and let the sounds ring through your home.

5. Activate the Sense of Touch.

Add soft and comfortable pillows and throws to your seating area for guests and family to cuddle up with. Keep a warm fire to comfort cold feet and noses and you'll make your home a warm inviting place.

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