Christmas and Aromas – Inextricably Linked
Close your eyes and think of Christmas. What do you imagine? Okay, now breathe… the shopping is done. Try again. The tree? That’s the fresh woody scent of pine needles. The presents? The ineffable smell of new paper and Sellotape glue. Family gatherings? Ugly sweaters, spilled mulled wine and gifted cologne. And we haven’t even stepped into the Christmas kitchen yet…
Christmas is probably the time of the year richest in aromas, as we surround ourselves with the joyful stimuli of the season. And there’s nothing quite like preparing for the big day by filling your home with those seasonal scents, and your heart with expectation! So which are the essential oils that can turn your abode into the most Christmassy place since Santa’s grotto? And how can you make the most of these natural treats? If you’re new to aromatherapy, these seven ‘starter’ oils below will make a perfect Christmas starter pack!
The Essential Oils You’ll Need:
Balsam Fir
The crisp evergreen scent of Balsam Fir essential oil is the quintessential smell of Christmas. Be transported to the base of the Christmas tree amongst the presents, or the forest where your tree began its life.
Nutmeg
The spicy warmth of eggnog, of mulled wine, of Christmas cookies. Nutmeg essential oil is the smell of tasty Christmas goodies, and a welcome home full of delicious hospitality.
Frankincense
One of the gifts from the three wise men in the Nativity, Frankincense essential oil has an earthy mustiness not dissimilar to Rosemary. Exotic but relaxing, it will promote calm in your home over the holidays.
Myrrh
The second of the wise men’s gifts to the baby Jesus, Myrrh has an aromatic, woody bitterness. It is believed to stimulate the immune system – and we all want to stay sniffle free at Christmas time!
Peppermint
The sweet scent of candy canes, luxurious chocolates and pre-mistletoe-kiss breath mints, Peppermint essential oil also has a range of medicinal uses, including the alleviation of headaches and indigestion (hello, December 26th!)
Bitter Almond
The glorious aroma of marzipan and Christmas stollen cakes. Bitter almonds themselves are highly toxic, but the essential oil extract can make your home smell irresistible.
Sage
The ingredient that makes stuffing smell so great, especially in the UK, where stuffing is as important to a Christmas dinner as it is to an American thanksgiving. Its essential oil is bold and spicy, but used in moderation it can give your home’s aroma a delightful Christmas kick.
Using Essential Oils in the Home At Christmas
Diffusers are the perfect way to keep the air feeling Christmassy throughout the season. Start with a total of ten drops total of essential oil – you can always increase the intensity as Christmas approaches! You could even start the season with a lower, almost imperceptible amount, and add a drop of oil to your recipe each day to create your own aromatic ‘advent calendar’! Diffusers can be placed in hallways, to welcome guests; in living rooms, to foster a feeling of togetherness; and the dining room, to stimulate appetite and compliment the mouthwatering smells coming from your Christmas spread. Or place a diffuser near your children’s bedroom to give them a night of peaceful, pre-Christmas slumber while you wrap their presents undisturbed…
Just remember – keep the essential oils themselves out of the reach of children and pets, avoid skin contact with essential oils (unless diluted in a carrier oil), and consult a physician before use if you are pregnant or have recently given birth.
3 Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes for Christmas
Need some ideas for the magical trinity of Christmas Eve, Christmas morning and Christmas afternoon? Then try the three essential oil diffuser recipes below for the merriest, happiest Christmas you’ll ever have!
Christmas Eve is a night for eggnog, mulled wine, and plate after plate of sweet and spicy treats. This toothsome blend of Nutmeg, Cinnamon and Vanilla essential oils will have your scurrying neighbors round with gifts in no time.
Keep the ripping of Christmas paper joyful (but under control) with a celebratory and soothing blend of Lavender, Lemon and Frankincense essential oils.
Everyone patting their stomachs and in danger of dozing off until tomorrow? Get everyone up and ready for the happiest dog walk of the year with this refreshing, forest blend of Balsam Fir, Peppermint and Sage essential oils.
Essential Oil Recipes for post-Christmas Headaches
Already feeling that December 26th headache coming on? You can find our ten essential oil recipes for headaches here.
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