What are your favorite smells of the holidays? Smell can be a strong memory trigger. Sometimes those associations feel odd. Other times they feel familiar and comforting. Researchers have explored which scents are calming. I want to explore those that feel festive.
One reason I prefer real trees at Christmas is the delicious smell of pine, cedar, or fir filling the house with freshness. Through the years, I’ve cut my own pine and cedar trees on the farm. Pro tip: Choose size carefully. Trees look smaller outside than when you put them inside your house.
Orange and cinnamon remind me of the warmth of family and mulled cider. I grew up about 30 miles away from several apple orchards that sold incredible cider. We stocked up in the fall. When the holidays arrived, it was time to add spices and enjoy it warm.
The aroma of mulled cider always reminds me of fun family get togethers. Pro tip: You don’t have to like cider to enjoy these smells. You don’t need to include apple at all. Put water, orange peel, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves in a pan. Bring to a boil and simmer to create a festive holiday scent.
Cinnamon rolls also remind me of the holidays. Our Christmas meal was always breakfast instead of dinner. Most years, we had biscuits. But on special years, we made cinnamon rolls. I’ve also given cinnamon rolls as Christmas gifts. The smell of warm bread and cinnamon feels friendly and inviting. Pro tip: Use regular biscuit dough (or canned biscuits) to make last minute cinnamon rolls. Roll the dough out in strips, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with sugar & cinnamon, then roll back up and bake. Top with a mixture of powdered sugar, milk (or water), vanilla, and a squeeze of lemon.
The smell of chocolate pairs well with the house’s holiday perfume of cedar, orange, and cinnamon! Hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies are both favorites in my family. I love break-apart chocolate oranges too. Pro tip: If you don’t have time to mix gluten-free cookie batter, use pre-portioned gluten-free chocolate chunk cookie dough available online and through local grocery stores.
Peppermint is a smell I enjoy all year, but I often indulge in different ways when the holidays arrive. Peppermint ice cream, peppermint milkshakes, peppermint bark, peppermint pretzel bark – there are so many wonderful products featured this time of year! Pro tip: Use peppermint herb tea to settle your tummy. Drink it hot or keep a pitcher of it in the refrigerator to drink cold.
The holiday season fills the senses with bright lights, familiar carols, favorite recipes, and warm hugs. It can also fill the air with aromas that bring wonderful memories rushing back!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
