Traditions are such an important link to your family’s history. Some are rooted in our cultural values, passed down through generations, while others form accidentally out of sheer enjoyment. Recently, we realized the importance of one of our favorite holiday traditions—what we call “the scent of Christmas.” We want to share how we create our Holiday Scent Bags so you can make them, too.
Years ago, a good friend gave us a Holiday Scent Bag filled with simple ingredients to simmer on the stove. We loved it, and ever since, we have kept the potpourri bubbling away on our cooktop throughout the holiday season. Here’s how you can create these delightful Holiday Scent Bags at home:
- 1 orange
- 1 lemon
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- ¼ cup whole cloves
- 5 bay leaves
- 3 star anise
Place the fruit and then the spices in a cellophane bag, tie it with a pretty ribbon, and add our tag with the simple instructions.
Over the years, we’ve made these Holiday Scent bags for neighbors, friends, hostess gifts, and even holiday class projects at school. It’s simple, but to us, it’s the harbinger of Christmas, the scent means the holidays have officially begun.
We now realize that our friend’s gift had sparked something so much bigger—a tradition that’s now been passed on to the next generation. Traditions, no matter how big or small, help create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. Whether it’s picking out a Christmas tree, decorating gingerbread houses, or attending midnight church services, these rituals connect us to one another and to our past.
We hope you make our Holiday Scent bags this season and that they inspire you to reflect on your own family traditions or maybe even start a new one.
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