4 Easy Ways to Craft Your Favorite Holiday Scents at Home

Last updated on June 23rd, 2025 at 02:44 am

Celebrating the holidays means spending time with family and making memories. And, thinking back to your favorite holiday traditions and memories includes all of your senses. While we usually think of our favorite foods and tastes as the stars of the show, what about smells?

Our favorite holiday scents, like mulling spices, warm cookies, and pumpkin pies all remind us of happy times. If you’re ready to kickstart your holiday season, here are some ways to leave your home smelling like your favorite holiday memories.

Craft Your Favorite Holiday Scents at Home

• Bake Some Treats

Everyone loves the smell of warm cookies, and nothing fills your home with holiday cheer like whipping up your favorite treats! Your entire family can help out with the baking, so you can enjoy your creations together.

If you have an excess of cookies or baked goods, share your bounty with friends and neighbors. Not a baking pro? Try warming some vanilla extract and cinnamon in an oven-safe dish to make your home smell like a bakery. 

• DIY Air Freshener

Scented sprays make it easy to refresh a room and boost your mood with your favorite scents. Essential oils are an easy way to customize your air fresheners for the holidays without relying on chemical-based sprays.

Just mix some distilled water, sea salt, and your favorite essential oils in a spray bottle. Then, spritz to your heart’s content to get your home ready for the holidays.

For holiday gift-giving, you can also make hangable air fresheners with essential oils and wooden cut-outs. Just let a couple of drops of essential oil absorb into the wood for a long-lasting freshener for any space. For scent mixes that work in any season, check out the printable recipes below.

• Make a Simmer Pot

Simmer pots are like potpourri but rather than helping a small area smell fresh, they fill your entire home with your favorite scents. Simmer pots are super versatile and easy to make, whether you’re prepping for a party or want some ambiance for a self-care day.

You can make a stovetop simmer pot or use a slow cooker if you’re not jazzed about the idea of leaving your stove on.

To start your simmer pot, fill your pot or slow cooker with water and add your aromatics. You can use citrus peels, herbs, teas, or spices. Set your simmer pot on low heat, and your home will be smelling great in no time.

• Decorate with Potpourri

Traditional potpourri acts as home decor and an air freshener for any room in your home. Making your own potpourri mix is a great way to personalize your home and get it ready for holiday festivities.

Not sure where to start? Many ingredients, like cinnamon, anise, and cloves, can be found at the grocery store. Get your kids involved with your potpourri creations, and try this fun potpourri guessing game below!

There’s no better way to launch the season than using your favorite holiday scents to create some ambiance in your home. Try one of these activities the next time you need a pick-me-up to lift your mood and freshen up your space.

Also read:
DIY Christmas Paper Ornament
Easy DIY Christmas Ornament
Framed Christmas Tree Craft Using Found Art Frames (Frugal Holiday Decor)

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