I so relate to the sensitivity to overstimulation. Some people don’t understand, but it’s such a real struggle in this often crowded and fast paced world. We have to create spaces for ourselves that are calm and peaceful. It’s necessary for the survival of highly sensitive introverts. :)

I am the same, like the idea of going out to visit shops and cafes and we have malls here. Malls give me high anxiety with all of the crowds. I try and not go to far on Saturday or Sundays, just stay around my home, go for a leisurely walk and a cafe for a coffee and read my Financial Times all about UK and have peace. I try and go out during the week when less crowds everywhere and so much more relaxing. Today I went to a Christmas market, that attracts thousands of people, but today not a lot of people and I was able to sit in a cafe and enjoy the market from their 1st floor cafe and the lights, then came home. Your place is adorable. I loved that shop you took us to and those fairy lights were fantastic in the kitchen. I see Hope is ever so watchful over you and so cute to see, especially when you were putting up your tree. I guess she too will be learning some French. Thank you for taking us to your ballet. That was so interesting, would love to see more. Enjoy your pasta and nice evening with Hope and your beautiful tree and wreath. I am also very happy to be at home in in my nest and buy the flowers weekly too, as I mentioned before to you ages ago. Good for us just to go out for brief outings and quiet times. I want to fly to London and don’t know how I am going to deal with the chaos at our airport and UK airport, but I will have to be brave, like you. I applaud you for going to Paris to live, that would be in my mind a big accomplishment in itself. And that sweet Florist near your flat. I would be walking by there daily, as it would make me happy.

Yes, i'm exactly the same. My anxiety rises and I just need space, calmness and serenity to calm me down and to help me re centre. You are definitely not alone in feeling that. Sending love from back in the UK. p.s - I am loving watching your journey and how you have moved to France which is also a dream of mine. I spent last summer there and so desperately want to go back as I fell in love with it. Am trying to learn a bit of French first though ☺x

Hi Jessica! I too am a introvert and find crowds quite upsetting. I have been seriously ill this year and would like a quiet an mindful Christmas. I am so pleased you are doing Vlogmas this year, i look forward to your vlogs every time.

I feel the same Jessica, I work in a very busy shop and believe me when I get home is like coming to my spiritual sanctuary. Light some incense and just lie down in the bed 💭

Yes, Jess. I could be doing exactly what I want, having a great time and then I'm just done and have to go home. It has always been like that, I'll never change and don't want to at this point.

I painted all the time when I was little, and carried on through my teenage years but gave up around 14 years ago, felt uninspired and suffering with arthritis in my hands at the age of 21 sent me down a spiral of believing I could no longer paint or play guitar or that one day I’d have to give them up so I just stopped. I started watercolour painting again during lockdown and I’m so glad I did, it’s given me back a piece of my identity I thought I’d lost for good. Some days it’s the only thing I look forward to. So yes, I totally agree with you! Also the sensory overload thing, I am right there with you, there was a fairground on in our town centre last week and it was almost painful, I needed to run away somewhere quiet and recover! (Ended up in the book shop!) it’s so bad sometimes I have to away at home as even one person talking to me is too much 😅

adore when you are just talking not looking at camera -- like your viewers are just sat nearby whilst you chit chat as you did at the end of the video. Not heard nor seen any other content creators do that unless they are doing voiceover on top of video.

I just listened and followed along the Substack article. Beautiful 😊 That is how I feel about ballet ❤

I think we were having similar experiences on Saturday! We went to London and there were so many people!! Especially later in afternoon - lots of people looking at the Christmas lights. And it was SO cold! I enjoyed the day but was ready to retreat back home!

I gave myself the gift of horseback riding lessons late in life and knew, instantly, this was the sport for me. I haven't been near a horse for far too long and think of finding a stable, often. As for the busyness of public spaces, I definitely hit a point when I have to get out of there and go home. It's a hard line and when I hit it, there's no compromising. 😂

Lovely video. I totally understand what you mean. I get so over whelmed so easily. I dont know if sometimes givinh musekf so much solence and calm makes me even MORE sensitive x much love

Jess, I'm loving this vlog series and I can't wait to watch more. Thank you for always being a voice of "reason" amidts the illusionary pressures that exist out there. I too prefer solitude, peace, and quiet to the chaos of the holiday season, which is probably why I love your videos so much! So happy for the quiet corner you have created in your slice of Paris. Cheers! 🥂✨

Lovely little vlog Jessica, I do also understand the overwhelm of too many people. I went into town this Saturday and was looking forward to seeing Christmas lights and doing a little shopping, but it was madness and I just found myself hurrying around grabbing what I could so I could just get home 😔. I wish I could enjoy it more.

So lovely! It has always been a dream of mine to visit or live in Paris. The architecture is just beautiful! I appreciate all the street scenes. All the shops look straight from my Pinterest boards. I actually have a pin of the car outside the Merci shop. I also have pinned the same black and cream/white floor tile you have in your home inspiration journal. I do think it is important to keep the things you love close. As I got older I let go, or never really pursued things I loved. It is a regret. I have discovered oil painting and love that art is something we can enjoy at any age. ( I’m 60) I love your aesthetic. I am from Florida but I use soft colors mixed with black and whites. No patterns really. Do wish we could get a bit of your weather, especially this time of year. Today was 80 and sunny. Not exactly Christmasy! Lol!

Yes I have a difficult time with crowds. That is why I do all my Christmas shopping in November. In the second week of December there is a fantastic artisan craft fair here in Bogotá, which I always go to and pick the least busy hour and day so I don’t have to deal with the crowds. Thank you for you vlogs, they have become a wonderful part of my Christmas routine. 😊

Yes Jess, I am the same. My ‘Go home!’ radar was blaring today as I went Christmas shopping with my daughters. My home was drawing me back to peace! xx

I am not an introvert but, as it seems, a shy extravert. But I do totally relate to the feeling of anxiety in too busy crowds. Might be because I'm also petite and literally feel like people close in 'over' my head almost. Loved this vlog again, thanks for the sneek peek of beautiful, Christmassy Paris ❤. I have recently re-discovered my creativity also, mine being making clothes. I have started knitting, which feels granny-like. But I so love the feeling of the process. The balls of wool turning into beautiful fabric. My aim is to make some real, capsule wardrobe worthy, staple pieces. Currently working on a beautiful pull, very basic, but soft and beautiful (mix of very thin merino wool and brushed Alpaca silk) in the most beautiful, soft misty blue. Lots of love to you and Hope ❤

Hi. I am from Slovenia-Ljubljana and is so cold here. I love your channel. 💕

Paris was a bit overwhelming in general for me. Navigating the Metro, always having to figure out how to find things and deciding what to do, eat, etc. I envy you having the time to get familiar with the area and being able to go home and unwind without the guilt of "wasting" the brief time you have there. Don't get me wrong I experienced something wonderful every day there but I really want to come back, stay in the 3rd - 6th arr and visit for at least two weeks.

Yes! I am the same!!

I can also very much get over stimulated by crowds, or stores in general. Sometimes to the point where I feel like I am going to need a very calm day in bed with a cup of tea to recover 😅

Hi Jess. I def like to come home to my sanctuary after a busy day or being out in town shopping and dealing with crowds. Love that you do ballet. I took up modern dance lessons and ballet fit classes in my late 20's. Really really enjoyed. Was completely out of my comfort zone but so glad I did it. Only for a couple of years. I'm 36 now x

Oh it’s like when I go to London! An alarm goes off in me ‘retreat back to Oxfordshire’!! Totally get it. Also, how cute is Hope in this one when you’re cooking?! Love her ❤

It is cold and rainy here in southern New England. Yesterday I attended a Christmas party. I stayed until it got too crowded and chaotic. I do most of my seasonal shopping early - mostly online or during times when it is not too crazy.

Thank you. I enjoyed it very much, especially the ballet. What a delightful ballet ambiance and the pink floors and crystal chandeliers. How so very French! It reminded me of my childhood. I loved swimming as child. Currently living in Saint Martin where the weather hovers around 80 I get to do laps every day. It’s wonderful. What a delight for me.

Was amongst crowds yesterday in a nearby very pretty city for our annual Christmas shop. It was crazy busy and overwhelming. Didn’t buy a single gift!

I love being home so much! Loving the daily vlogs! 😊

It’s 62 degrees F here but cloudy at almost dinner time. I had to go to Wal-Mart today (do you know Wal-Mart?) and it certainly tried my intention of being kind! But I feel like I remained somewhat calm and kind and smiled at the appropriate times. I was certainly happy to get back home and just be. Another very nice vlogmas, Jessica. Thank you.

Hello Jess! Yes I completely feel you when you said about the towns/cities being super busy during the Christmas period I must say I’m the same! We live near Windsor and it gets extremely busy most Saturdays and holiday times so much so that I avoid those busy times and prefer to go shopping during quieter times, even in the super markets I go later when all the crowds have gone home but understand that some people can’t always do this if they have busy lives or younger children to attend to on their own. Your vlogmas was still very calming and enjoyable to watch so much so I felt very relaxed watching it.... bonus ! Thank you so much for sharing your amazing experiences in Paris well appreciated ❤

So interesting!

Loving your Vlogmas Jessica xx

I find you very a inspiring soul thankyou. Have just ordered your book look forward to reading it☺

I have been to Merci a few times and it is indeed a feast for the eye but i can become busy quite fast, well at least the café but such a wonderflul place. I am enjoying your vlogmas unsurprisingly 😊 It is such a heartwarming and quiet way to enjoy Christmas ❤

Jess, I"m gonna go deep: where are your sunglasses from? 😄 I struggle to find a good pair and these look so simple yet elegant aaand... I think the shape would actually match my face too. 😄 Otherwise, thank you for showing us around. ❣ Saved "Merci" to my "want to go" places - next time I'm in Paris I'll make sure to stop by on a weekday..... Thanks for the tip! :)

Lots and lots of snow in Bakewell today!!

beautiful vlog. i would never live in Paris - or another big city - because indeed too busy, too many people. i have to go to Paris in the spring and i don't know how i'll cope. on another note pink and grey are quickly becoming my new favorite colour combo since my hair is turning grey and i'm turning away from vivid colours. your scarf is lovely.

Oooh can you let me know where your tea cup is from - just 🥰 it

Self declared highly sensitive person here so I know exactly what you mean! Until I lost one, I found Loop Engage earplugs really helpful - they cut out enough noise but I can still have a conversation.

Jess have you read Elaine Aron’s book The Highly Sensitive Person?