Presents, turkey, the relative who consumes one too many Baileys … the holiday period is synonymous with many things. One is scent. Certain aromas truly come into their own during the festivities, creating the power to comfort us, excite us, and send us into a spin of nostalgia with recollections of the old days.
No matter what time of year, specific aromas can have an incredible ability to influence our mood, emotions, and even our physical state. This is because our sense of smell is directly linked to the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls emotions, memories and arousal.
When we inhale a scent, it triggers a cascade of physiological responses: fragrances like lavender and chamomile can soothe stress by lowering cortisol levels and promoting relaxation; citrus smells such as lemon and orange boost mood and energy by stimulating the production of serotonin, the “happy” hormone; and a whiff of pine or cinnamon can instantly transport us back to Christmases past.
“During the party season, people gravitate towards comforting scents that incite the spirit of Christmas,” explains Dan Terry Jacobson, founder of the Singapore perfume emporium with a chemistry lab event space, Oo La Lab (oola-lab.com). “Compared to the rest of the year, festive fragrances are generally richer, more complex, and designed to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere,” he says.
- Cinnamon and Clove: These spices are quintessential Christmas aromas that add warmth and depth, reminiscent of holiday baking and mulled wine.
- Pine and Fir: The fresh, earthy scent of evergreen trees is tantamount to Christmas, bringing the outdoors in and filling the home with a crisp, natural fragrance.
- Orange and Cranberry: These fruity notes add a zesty twist to the season, balancing the heavier, spicier aromas.
While Dan shares that due to spending many festive seasons on Australia’s Bronte and Bondi beaches, “Christmas to me smells like coconut suntan lotion, salty air, and battered fish,” these scents will not be en vogue for the coming months! Rather, Dan says he’s seeing a rise in the popularity of earthy, grounding fragrances that reflect a connection to nature and wellness – think vetiver, cedarwood and moss paired with unconventional festive notes like black pepper and cardamom. “There’s also a trend towards more complex, layered fragrances that tell a story, such as blending smoky oud with the sweetness of tonka bean and vanilla,” he explains.
Whether travelling overseas or staying put for the celebrations, read on to discover how to invoke the spirit of Christmas through scent this season.
Your Seasonal Scents Shopping List
Dan’s top 20 Christmas aromas and how they add to the holiday spirit:
1. Cinnamon: Warming, comforting, and festive.
2. Clove: Spicy and rich, perfect for adding depth.
3. Nutmeg: A sweet, earthy spice that enhances other festive scents.
4. Pine: Fresh and invigorating, reminiscent of Christmas trees.
5. Fir: Earthy and woody, bringing the outdoors inside.
6. Orange: Bright and zesty, uplifting for the spirits.
7. Cranberry: Tart and sweet, adds a fruity freshness.
8. Ginger: Spicy and warm, evokes holiday baking.
9. Vanilla: Sweet and comforting, great for creating a cosy atmosphere.
10. Frankincense: Sacred and resinous, adds a spiritual note.
11. Myrrh: Earthy and balsamic, pairs well with other resins.
12. Cedarwood: Woody and grounding, perfect for creating a calm environment in the home.
13. Peppermint: Fresh and cooling, energising and uplifting for the mind.
14. Eucalyptus: Refreshing and clear, helps with focus and breathing.
15. Sandalwood: Soft and creamy, adds a luxurious touch.
16. Tonka Bean: Sweet and warm, with notes of vanilla and almond.
17. Black Pepper: Spicy and bold, adds an unexpected twist.
18. Cardamom: Sweet and spicy, perfect for holiday blends.
19. Oud: Deep and smoky, adds a touch of magic and mystery.
20. Bergamot: Bright and citrusy, uplifting for the soul and senses.
Top Festive Fragrance Mood Mixes
Create these combinations to boost health and happiness.
- For: Brain Fog
Mix: Rosemary + Peppermint
Both are known for boosting clarity and focus. - For: Anxiety
Mix: Lavender + Bergamot
Calming and soothing, great for reducing stress. - For: Staving off Illness
Mix: Eucalyptus + Tea Tree
Both have antiseptic properties and are invigorating. - For: Feeling Tired
Mix: Citrus (Lemon, Orange) + Peppermint
This is an energising and revitalising combination. - For: Sore Party Feet
Mix: Peppermint + Eucalyptus
Both are cooling and refreshing for tired muscles. - For: A Hangover
Mix: Ginger + Lemon.
Both help to settle the stomach and refresh the senses. - For: Sleep
Mix: Lavender + Chamomile
These are well-known for promoting relaxation and a restful sleep.
Surround Yourself With Scent
Topical Fragrance: Perfumes and colognes are great for a personal, long-lasting scent. Applying to pulse points (wrists, neck, inside the elbow) ensures the fragrance evolves with your body heat throughout the day.
Topical Oils: Essential oils can be applied to the skin for a more therapeutic effect. For example, lavender oil can be rubbed on the temples for relaxation. (Ensure the oil is mixed in a carrier base before applying directly to the skin and avoid any possible irritants like cinnamon).
Candles: Ideal for setting a mood in a room, candles can fill your space with a soft, diffused scent.
Bathing: Adding essential oils or scented bath salts to your bath provides both aromatic and physical benefits.
Diffusers: Ideal for a consistent, subtle scent in your home or office, diffusers work well for larger spaces.
Want to gift scent this Christmas? Oo La Lab’s ‘The Chemistry of Kindness’ campaign features three different gift sets – The Go-Getter, The Sensorialist, The Peacemaker – each containing an assortment of genderless perfume, body washes, and diffusers. For something really special, Oo La Lab can create gorgeous bespoke scents for loved ones without recipients even being there. Defo a pressie to be sniffed at!
