Cinnamon, vanilla, orange, clove, frankincense — my home already smells like the holidays. I love these warm, cozy scents. Fragrance has a powerful influence on mood and wellbeing, and this season more than ever we can use scent intentionally to create comfort and calm.
As the keepers of our homes, the choices we make about what we bring inside affect everyone who lives there. Every detail matters: the products we use, the cleaners we choose, the mood we cultivate. Creating a safe, healthy, and uplifting atmosphere is a daily practice. In my writing and work I’ve long encouraged thoughtful choices for the home, and this season I’m especially mindful of using pure, natural ingredients to scent and clean my space.
Scents shape our emotions, so choosing pure, natural fragrances can support wellbeing. During the holidays it’s tempting to buy a wide range of scented products — candles, soaps, sprays, cleaners — but not all fragranced items are safe. The term “fragrance” on a label can hide dozens of synthetic chemicals that may irritate the lungs or affect the immune, endocrine, or reproductive systems.
How we scent our home matters. I rely on pure essential oils and clean ingredients for everything from diffusers and room sprays to household cleaners and personal care. When essential oils are truly pure, they come directly from plants and flowers and can help reduce stress, enhance mood, and create positive scent memories. Unfortunately, many products marketed as essential oils include synthetic additives or preservatives, so it’s important to buy from reputable sources.
One of my seasonal favorites is a festive blend called Christmas Spirit. I diffuse it throughout the house, add a few drops to cleaners, and make room sprays to freshen linens and living spaces. Its warm, bright aroma instantly feels like the holidays.
Click here for a list of my favorite essential oils for holiday scents. You can add or remove oils from that list when ordering. New customers may have access to discounts on qualifying orders.
I enjoy creating diffuser blends that make the home smell richer than any candle. Diffusers safely disperse essential oils so the scent fills a room and lingers pleasantly.
When selecting essential oils, choose high-quality sources and check labels for purity. Using reputable suppliers helps ensure the oils are free from harmful additives and suitable for use around family and pets when used responsibly.
Making a room spray is easy!
Add drops of your chosen essential oils to a clean spray bottle and fill with filtered water. A splash of witch hazel or vodka helps the oils disperse more evenly, but it’s optional.
A favorite festive recipe: 20 drops Christmas Spirit + 10 drops vanilla in a 4–8 oz spray bottle. Shake gently before each use and mist lightly around the room or on linens.
I’ve linked some favorite festive scents for you. You can customize the list as you like.
Once you have an account with a trusted supplier, you can order essential oils and toxin-free products at any time. Owning an account also makes it easy to reorder favorites without obligation.
If you have questions about sourcing or using essential oils in your home, feel free to reach out for guidance.
Related:
Why A Healthy Home Matters to Me: My Story
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