How to make your house smell like Christmas
From simmer pots to essential oils, here’s how to make your house smell like Christmas.

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Getting into the Christmas spirit starts once the Christmas decor is up in the house.
It’s amplified once I add in a few Christmas tunes (anyone for Snoopy’s Christmas?)
But I really know it’s Christmas when the house smells of that delicious combo of cinnamon, oranges and cloves – or whatever Christmas scent I’ve decided to use that day.
Christmas truly is a delight for all the senses.
Why don’t you indulge your sense of smell this holiday season?
By using Christmas scents every year, you’ll be training your brain so that whenever you smell them you’ll instantly get into the Christmas mood.
It’s a fun way to add festivity to your Christmas in July too.
Luckily, there’s as many ways to make your house smell like Christmas as there are Christmas scents.
The method you use to get your Christmas scents can include:
- Christmas simmer pots
- Christmas potpourri
- Christmas candles
- Christmas room spray
- Christmas essential oils
Personal preference is key here – each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
Contents
Christmas simmer pots
Christmas simmer pots are my pick of Christmas scents.
Why?
Simmer pots are economical. Your simmer pot mixture can easily last two to three days.
Simmer pots are easy to make. Throw a few ingredients together and you’re done!
Simmer pots last: the smell lasts as long as you’re simmering, so you can have all-day Christmas smells.
Simmer pots are versatile. You can use the stovetop or your crockpot.
I’m personally a fan of the crock pot as there is less risk having a stove on for hours. This mini crock pot doesn’t take up much space but gets the results.
Christmas simmer pot recipes
This super easy simmer pot recipe only takes a few minutes to prepare.
Fill your home with the scent of cinnamon, oranges, lemons and Christmas trees!
The fragrance of Christmas will fill your house with this homemade holiday potpourri.
Once you're finished making a batch of this Christmas potpourri for yourself, make another lot as a gift- you'll find some printable labels here to use.
This Christmas simmer pot recipe has you drying your own apples and oranges so you can make up jars in bulk to have on hand at home or to give as the perfect homemade gift.
This winter simmering pot has a healthy addition of Christmas tree cuttings. Talk about one way of getting that Christmas tree scent!
Christmas potpourri
Maybe you want to switch up your simmer pot; maybe you’ve got too much to do to focus on the stove for that long… whatever your reason, having a bowl of Christmas potpourri on the table is a great way of getting that Christmas smell fix!
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Christmas candles
Scented candles are one of my favorite things as they combine the coziness of a flickering flame with a soothing smell.
You’ll love this selection.
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Christmas room spray
If you’re looking for a fast and furious burst of Christmas scent, then room spray may be the answer.
You can easily make your own room spray, as outlined here.
If you would rather buy ready made, here’s some top picks.
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Christmas essential oils
When it comes to essential oils, you can either use a pre-mixed blend or have a number of the basics on hand to create your own unique scents.
Here’s a list of those essential oils you can use to create Christmas smells.
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How you use essential oils to create your own custom Christmas scent will depend on personal preference.
However some suggestions are below. Experiment with different amounts of drops until you get the balance that speaks to you.
Candy Cane Christmas
- 4 drops peppermint oil
- 2 drops cinnamon
Gingerbread Man
- 4 drops ginger
- 3 drops clove
- 2 drops cinnamon
- 2 drops nutmeg
O Christmas Tree
- 3 drops cinnamon
- 3 drops cypress
- 3 drops fir needle
- 3 drops orange
Three Wise Men
- 3 drops frankincense
- 3 drops myrrh
- 3 drops orange
Whether you choose to use a simmer pot, bowl of potpourri, candles, room spray, or essential oils, you’ll be able to make your house smell like Christmas using these simple ideas.
(You might also like: Classic Christmas decorations you can use year round.)


