When the festive season rolls around, there’s something about the smell of Christmas that instantly turns a house into a home with festive cheer.
The aroma of cinnamon, pine, citrus, and spice is as much a part of the season as twinkling lights and gift wrap. Instead of relying on synthetic sprays or candles, why not embrace natural, D.I.Y ways to bring the holiday spirit into your home? With simple ingredients and a touch of creativity, you can fill your home with scents that bring on the magic of Christmas.
Here are my favourite ways to make every corner of your home smell merry and bright:
Natural ways to make your home smell like Christmas
1. Stovetop Potpourri
A simmering pot of holiday goodness is a classic. Combine water with slices of orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a sprig of rosemary. Let it simmer gently on the stove, and soon your kitchen—and beyond—will smell like a Christmas market.
Tip: Keep an eye on the water level, and top up as needed to keep the scent going all day.
2. Pomander Balls
A childhood favourite of mine, pomander balls are both fragrant and decorative. Simply stud oranges with whole cloves in patterns or lines. Place them in a bowl as a centerpiece or hang them with ribbons for a citrusy-spiced aroma that lingers for weeks.
3. Scented pinecones
Gather pinecones during a nature walk and enhance their festive charm by adding a few drops of essential oils like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla. Place them in bowls, wreaths, or garlands for an earthy, holiday vibe.
4. Essential oil room spray
Mix distilled water, witch hazel, and a few drops of your favourite essential oils—think peppermint, frankincense, or cedarwood—in a spray bottle. Spritz this homemade mist around your home for an instant burst of festive freshness.
5. D.I.Y fire starters
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, create fragrant fire starters by bundling dried herbs like lavender, sage, and rosemary with twine. Add dried orange slices for extra holiday charm. Toss one into your fire, and let the seasonal scents waft through your home.
6. Baking Christmas treats
Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked cookies or gingerbread. The rich aromas of vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon not only smell incredible but leave you with delicious treats to share.
7. Fragrant wreaths and garlands
Use fresh greenery like cedar, eucalyptus, and rosemary to craft wreaths or garlands. These natural decorations add a subtle woodsy fragrance and look stunning hung around your home.
8. Citrus Garland
Dried orange slices strung together with bay leaves or cinnamon sticks create a garland that smells as good as it looks. Hang it along your mantelpiece or drape it over windows for a festive touch.
9. Cinnamon stick bouquets
Tie bundles of cinnamon sticks with twine and place them near heat sources like radiators or vents. As the warmth hits, it releases the cosy scent of spice throughout your space.
10. Holiday Sachets
Fill small fabric pouches with dried balsam, cloves, or lavender, and tuck them into drawers or hang them around your home. These sachets are a subtle but effective way to infuse your living space with Christmas spirit.
These natural ideas bring a personal touch to your home, they’re also easy, budget-friendly, and allow you to create lasting holiday memories while filling your space with the cosy essence of Christmas.
Compiled by: Maegan-Leigh Jacobs
First published by Food & Home
