There’s something about my house smelling like Christmas that instantly puts me in the holiday spirit. Before the wrapping, baking, hosting, and running around begins, that warm, cozy scent makes everything feel a little more magical. I love how simple a simmer pot is, you can toss in whatever you have on hand, let it bubble away, and suddenly your whole home smells delicious.
This year, I snipped off a little clipping from the top of our Christmas tree, chopped it up, and added it right into the pot. It was such an easy way to bring that fresh pine scent indoors, and I’m definitely doing it again.
If you want your home to smell like the coziest version of December, here’s my go-to Christmas simmer pot:
What You’ll Need
-
Water
-
Orange slices
-
Cranberries
-
A few cinnamon sticks
-
Whole cloves
-
A sprig of rosemary or pine (Christmas tree clippings work well!)
-
A splash of vanilla or almond extract
How to Make It
-
Fill a pot about three-quarters full with water.
-
Add your ingredients: no need to be precise. Use whatever you have and whatever smells good to you.
-
Bring the pot to a gentle boil.
-
Lower the heat to the softest simmer.
-
Let it warm on the stove, topping off with more water as needed.
-
Enjoy as your whole home fills with that cozy, nostalgic Christmas fragrance.
You can keep refreshing the water and ingredients over a day or two, and even experiment with add-ins like apple slices, star anise, or fresh ginger. It’s the simplest little ritual that makes the season feel extra special.
We’re incredibly grateful for our amazing community and the wonderful people and places that make it so special. Explore our Blog page for features that spotlight local businesses and more. Looking for something to do in Westchester? Check out our Local Guides and Calendar pages to discover what’s happening locally and follow along on Instagram for more!