The sense of smell is powerful. It can trigger a long lost memory of baking with your grandmother, that you didn't even know you had. Or bring you to that magical Christmas Eve midnight mass - when the incense burned silently as a marker of the excitement that lied ahead in the wee hours of the morning. Scent triggers emotion.. and during a time when the joy of the season can easily become lost.. I like to use scent as a tool to bring me back.
So here are some easy, inexpensive, natural tricks to get your home smelling magical for the holidays.
Pomanders
First used in the middle ages, where people would wear them on long chains (like jewellery) to ward off infectious diseases, and to simply smell better. Back then they were made of all sorts of crazy things. Today they are simply made of Oranges studded with Whole Cloves. Once made, they will dry out and can last for years as air fresheners, and even can be useful in linen closets and drawers to repel moths.You will need:
1) A few confectioners scoops of whole cloves (purchasing whole cloves at a bulk food, is far more cost effective than buying them pre-jarred)
2) A few Navel Oranges of varying sizes
Simply push the cloves into the orange in any pattern that you please. You can completely cover the orange in cloves, or you may choose a design such as stars, or swirls. Or in the case of my brother's creation in the picture, you can't opt for the "Mr. T" pomander :)
Potpourri Crock Pot
Tossing a few spices and fruits into a crock pot (or regular pot) will fill your home with a warm Christmasey scent. It's dead easy, inexpensive, and is a great way to get rid of any fruit that might be starting to spoil.
What you'll need:
1) A couple of fruits of your choice, such as: Apples and Oranges - cut into slices or quartered (you can use anything from pomegranates to cranberries to pears.. it matters not.
2) A few cinnamon sticks, or a couple of tbsp of ground cinnamon
3) Some whole cloves
4) Some nutmeg
5) Water
Combine a random amount of these ingredients into a crock pot, or large saucepan; fill about 2/3 of the pot. Fill pot with water to about 3 inches from the the top. Simmer on low.
I've left this for a couple of days at a time; turning the stove/crock pot off at night, and when I leave the house - and refilling the water as it cooks off.
Balsam Fir trees smell divine! If you opt for a real tree at Christmastime, you should get yourself a Balsam. It's true that Fraser Fir is the longest lasting tree, however nothing comes close to the scent of the Balsam! I'd say put off your tree trimming until 2-3 weeks before Christmas, so that you can take advantage of the loveliness of Balsam's fragrance.
If you do not use a real tree, that's still okay. You can still take advantage of Balsam's scent by grabbing up a few of it's branches to adorn your mantle, use for a centrepiece, make a wreath, or use in your outdoor urns. You can either buy these branches where ever you would pick up your tree - such as a nursery - OR if you have any friends or family who are getting a Balsam for themselves, ask them if you can have the scraps they trim off from the stump.
Little known facts about opting for Real Christmas Trees:
- More environmentally friendly
- Christmas trees are often grown in soil that no other crops can grow in
- The trees take years to mature; in the mean time provide habitat for wildlife, as well as clean the air
- When people are done with their real trees, they are recycled and used as mulch - where as fake trees end up in landfills
- Fake trees and wreaths are made from non renewable petroleum
- For every tree that is harvested, 2 or 3 seedlings are put in its place
Happy scenting! AND If you have any more Scent-sational tips, I'd love to hear them! Leave your comments below :)
