1. Simmer Pots

One of the easiest and least expensive ways to make your house smell like Christmas is to start a simmer pot. Fill a pan with a little water, then add aromatic items such a cinnamon sticks, apple slices, orange or lemon peels, pine or fir branches, vanilla, cloves, bay leaves, nutmeg or anise. Create your own unique mixture, or buy a ready-made version. The only drawback is that it occupies a burner and might be in the way if you’re cooking. If this becomes a problem, try simmering your concoction in a fondue pot.

2. Potpourri

Many of the same items that are used in simmer pots can be used in potpourri. While you can use fresh items in simmer pots, it’s better if items like orange or apples are dried when using them in your potpourri. Place items in a decorative bowl and place on a table somewhere. Not only can you use items that are naturally aromatic, but you can dab a bit of yummy smelling oil to wood shavings or cones from trees like Douglas fir or Hemlock. Of course, one shortcut to making your own potpourri is to buy a premade mix, but where’s the fun in that?

3. Scented Candles

There are a number of candles you can purchase that have the holiday scents you desire, but you can also make your own. Normal paraffin wax or wax leftover from other candles can be layered with delectable essential oil scents such as pine or cinnamon. Items with a strong scent, such as coffee beans or dried orange peels, can also be added to the candle wax. You don’t even have to use wax - you can create an oil candle using vegetable oil, scented oils and a wick held slightly above the oil with a paperclip.

4. Scented Garlands

String together good-smelling items such as dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and pomanders. Many of these items can be purchased, but you can also make homemade pomanders: poke cloves into tangerines and dry, or make beads or balls from glue and spices.

5. Scented Pine Cones

Adding a few drops of scented oils to pine cones can create a decorative and nicely scented display. Sometimes cinnamon-scented cones are offered in grocery stores and their intoxicating scent permeates the aisles. You can purchase them there or create your own. When you create your own you can choose other scents as well. They make festive decorations when placed in a bowl or basket on a table, perhaps nestled in a bed of fir needles.

6. Scented Wax Fire Starters

If you’re lucky enough to have a wood burning fireplace or stove, you can create aromatic wax fire starters that no only smell good but help you start a nice yule fire without much effort. In a small paper muffin cup, add a few pine needles, cinnamon stick shavings, rosemary, cloves, or other aromatic material. Insert a small wick, and when solid, light under wood in your fireplace.

7. Room Sprays

One of the most obvious and effortless ways to make your house smell like Christmas is to purchase or make holiday room sprays. If you purchase them, combine scents for interest. If you’re making your own, find a small spritzer bottle and fill nearly to the top with water. To it, add a few drops of cinnamon, pine, orange, apple, or other inviting scent, and shake the bottle. Spritz the room with a few short sprays.

What are your favorite smells of Christmas? Tell us about them and what lovely memories those smells conjure up.