In the children’s book Five Minutes’ Peace, a momma elephant seeks nothing more than a few minutes of solace, away from her boisterous kids. In the end, she has to settle for three minutes and 45 seconds. But tired multi-taskers know even that measure—no longer than a pop song or commercial break—is something to celebrate. As you complete the holiday shopping list—and hear Sleigh Ride echo through the mall for the 73rd time this year—it’s hard to fight pangs of nostalgia for a time when the season truly brought comfort and joy, not traffic and stress. So before the Legos and golf clubs, pick up some bubble bath, lady’s slipper orchids, and candles. Just setting the scene is soothing, not to mention lounging in a warm retreat. Those nearly four minutes—or 40–of bliss are out there, waiting to be savored.