Its Beginning to Smell a Lot like Christmas

Our senses of taste, smell, sight, and hearing all seem to bring along memories with them. Christmas time is one event where the senses help us return to some happier or sadder moments but always nostalgic periods of time in our life. The memories of years gone by can literally travel to our brains via senses. Thus allowing us to recall memories of past years for years to come.

One common theme that our senses seem to pick up and bring memories rushing back is food. Scents of grandma's cookies, the fresh Christmas tree, spiced apple cider and the list goes on. Store bought candles, sprays and air fresheners are designed to deliver a chemical fragrance to help bring back the scents of past years. However, they do not always get the job done and leave a chemical smell in the air often.

This year try a fresher approach with these ideas:

Since the middle ages spicy citrus has become a holiday scent that all have enjoyed. Clove oranges is an intoxicating scent and look very decorative as well. These oranges are easy to make and if you choose to go a bit different try a grapefruit or apple. Simply poke some holes into the rind with a toothpick or pin and then insert individual cloves into each hole. The choice of how many cloves you use as well as the design is your choice.

Another way to help liven up the smells of Christmas awakening those memories of days gone by is by using simmering pots. Not only a replacement for air fresheners the DIY project will fill the entire home with a delightful aroma The scent is long lasting and even stays around a bit after the pot stops simmering. `Simmering pots are a great way to add moisture to the air. Leave on for a few hours replacing water as needed. The aroma will wafer through the house as well. Perhaps the worst part is having to clean the pot afterwards.

• 1 pomegranate, quartered
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups cranberries
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla
• 2 rosemary sprigs
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 2 tsp. nutmeg
• 3 tsp. ground cloves

Place all ingredients in a pot, cover with water, and simmer on low on your stove. Cover with more water as needed.


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