Every December, I like to turn my home into a little Christmas haven. The lights twinkle, the music plays softly, and most importantly, it smells like Christmas.
Over the years, I’ve tried every candle and diffuser out there, but nothing beats natural scents made from simple, real ingredients. Here are a few of my favorite ways to fill your home with that warm, festive magic.
1. Simmer a Stovetop Potpourri
This is my go-to. It makes your home smell amazing in minutes.
You’ll need:
- 1 orange (sliced)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- A few sprigs of rosemary or pine
- A splash of vanilla extract
Add everything to a pot of water and simmer on low heat. Refill with water as needed. It smells like a Christmas market mixed with Grandma’s kitchen.
Tip: Try adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder or a small piece of chocolate for a warm, sweet twist.
2. Dry Citrus and Herbs Together
Most people know about drying oranges, but I love to add bay leaves and sage when I dry mine. The combination creates a fresh, slightly smoky scent that lasts for weeks. Use them in garlands, centerpieces, or even tucked into gift wrapping.
3. Make a DIY Christmas Room Spray
This one’s simple and smells incredible.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 tablespoon witch hazel or vodka
- 10 drops cinnamon essential oil
- 10 drops orange essential oil
- 5 drops fir or cedarwood essential oil
Mix it all in a spray bottle and shake well. Spritz it around your home or on your Christmas tree for an instant holiday scent.
4. Bake Something Cozy
You can’t go wrong with cinnamon rolls or gingerbread cookies. But here’s a little secret: even if you don’t feel like baking, toss a few cinnamon sticks and some apple peels in the oven on a baking sheet at low heat. Your kitchen will smell like you’ve been baking all day.
5. Burn a Bundle of Cedar and Rosemary
If you have a fireplace or safe incense setup, tie a small bundle of cedar, rosemary, and dried orange peel with twine. When burned gently, it releases a grounding, woodsy aroma that feels like walking through a Christmas forest.
6. Scented Pinecones
Gather pinecones, place them in a ziplock bag, and add a few drops of essential oils (cinnamon, clove, or pine). Seal the bag and let them sit for a few days. Then use them as decorations — they’ll slowly release the scent over time.
7. Coffee and Vanilla Trick
If you want your home to smell warm and comforting without the spice, mix a teaspoon of vanilla extract with a tablespoon of coffee grounds and set it in a small oven-safe dish. Warm it in the oven for 10 minutes at 200°F. The result smells like a cozy coffee shop at Christmas.
Final Tip
The secret to a home that smells like Christmas is layering scents. Combine a simmer pot during the day, a candle in the evening, and a few natural touches like dried herbs or pinecones around the house. It’s simple, beautiful, and makes your space feel like pure holiday comfort.