Wellbeing Wednesday: The Sound of Christmas Eve. Finding Harmony Between the Music and the Silence

Welcome to our final Wellbeing Wednesday before the big day. As we stand on the threshold of Christmas, the world can feel like it’s reaching a crescendo. Bells are ringing, Carols are looping, TV shows are blaring, and the frantic energy of “the hustle” is at its peak.

And as the sun sets tonight, we have a unique opportunity to protect our wellbeing by intentionally balancing two of the most powerful tools we have: Music and Silence.

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The Music: A Bridge to Connection

Music is the heartbeat of the festive season. On Christmas Eve, it can serve as more than just background noise; it can be a profound emotional anchor.

• Shared Resonance: Music has the power to bridge the gap between our past and present. It taps into that Hiraeth, that nostalgic longing for something, and can transform it into a shared experience of community.
• A Nervous System Reset: High-vibrational, familiar music can actually lower our cortisol levels. Singing along (even if you’re just humming while peeling potatoes!) engages your breath and tells your body: “You are safe. You are home.”

Actionable Tip: Create a “Christmas Eve Sanctuary” playlist. Don’t just let the radio dictate the mood. Choose tracks that feel like a warm hug—songs that ground you and remind you of who you are, rather than the frantic, high-tempo hits that add to the holiday rush.

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The Silence: The Gift of the “In-Between”

While music connects us to others, silence reconnects us to ourselves. Christmas Eve is often the noisiest day of the year; not just audibly, but mentally. Our brains are processing to-do lists, family dynamics, and, for many, sensory overload. Silence can be a “palette cleanser” for your wellbeing.

• Processing the Chaos: Silence gives your nervous system a chance to catch up. It’s in the quiet moments (after the kids are in bed, or during a solo walk in the crisp evening air) that we actually process the joy and the stress of the season.
• The Sacred Pause: There is a reason we sing about a “Silent Night.” Silence is where peace lives. It allows us to transition from the “doing” of the lead-up to the “being” of Christmas Day.

Actionable Tip: Practice a “Savouring Silence” block. When the sun goes down on Christmas Eve, find just 10 minutes to sit in the dark with only the tree lights on. No phone, no music, no conversation. Just breathe. Listen to the house settling. Let the quiet settle in you.

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The Balance: How to Manage Your Wellbeing

Looking after yourself this Christmas isn’t about choosing one over the other; it’s about knowing when you need which.

1. If you feel lonely or disconnected: Lean into the Music. Turn it up, sing loudly, and let the melodies remind you of the communal thread that binds us all together.
2. If you feel overwhelmed or “buzzed”: Lean into the Silence. Step into a quiet, preferably uncluttered, room, take some deep breaths, and give your senses a rest from the bells and the glitter.
3. The “Switch-Off” Ritual: At a certain point on Christmas Eve, decide that “the work” is done. Switch off the news, put the phone in a drawer, and let the evening be defined by whatever sounds (or lack of) bring you the most peace.

However you spend your Christmas Eve, may you find the perfect rhythm between the joy of the song and the restorative power of the quiet.

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Merry Christmas Everyone!

An old recording but the sentiment is the same…. have an amazing Christmas everyone.