Christmas, a time of peace, joy, sharing and friendship … crippling credit card bills, commercialism and the eternal question, ‘but what do I buy for …?’

If like many others you are disillusioned about the whole concept of Christmas and what it really stands for, then maybe a more traditional approach to the festive season is called for. There are many traditional things to do and make that aren’t expensive and will bring family and friends together to share fun and creativity. Add to this some seasonal fragrances and your Christmas will become one to remember.

Don’t spend too much!

This is easier said than done, especially if you have in the past spent lots of money in gifts. However, a real friend and loved one will appreciate a gift that is genuinely meant, not how much it costs. A gift could be a walk in the winter sunshine and a meal with a friend; it does not have to have a price tag attached. Also, try to ensure you put some money aside for your own enjoyment and socialising.

Traditional things to do and make

Buy a real tree
The advantages of buying a potted tree with roots are that they do not die and shed needles. It’s kinder for the tree and the environment and you can put it out into the garden until next year, saving money in the long term. There is something really satisfying about taking your decorations down from a tree that is still alive!

Have a Yule gathering
Yule is the traditional name for Christmas and was celebrated by sharing food, drink and merriment. It was celebrated around the winter solstice, which marks the shortest day of the year and was followed by a gradual increase in daylight from that point forth. This was greatly welcomed by our ancestors as it meant that the winter was halfway over and the light and warmth were returning.

 A Yule gathering is a lovely way to bring together family, friends and neighbours to celebrate the blessings and ‘light’ we have in our lives. Each person brings some seasonal food and drink to share with the others and it is traditional to burn a Yule log (if you have a fire). Alternatively, a large white candle dressed with some holly and ivy leaves could be burned to represent the growing light and warmer days ahead. If you have a fire, dress a log (preferably oak), with a ribbon and some holly and ivy and burn slowly on your fire. Then, sit together and share a glass of traditional mulled wine or mead. Sparklers are a lovely addition to a Yule gathering, but usually have to be purchased earlier in the year.

Mulled wine and spicy apple drink are delicious, fragrant drinks that will ensure your gathering is a very merry one. You can easily make a mulled wine sachet by adding ground clove, cinnamon, allspice berries, grated ginger root, orange and lemon ring to a muslin square. Tie with natural cotton and add to a pan of warming red wine. Allow to infuse for 15 minutes and then serve wine hot with orange and lemon slices. You can substitute the wine for dark grape and cranberry juice if you do not drink alcohol.

Make Christmas cards
This is a wonderfully relaxing and rewarding pastime even if you there aren’t any children involved. Blank cards and envelopes can be purchased from most stationers and decorated with glitter glue, paint, sequins, etc.  There is something really rewarding from creating your own cards and gifts and receiving them feels much more special. Fragrance your card with 1 drop of essential oil on the inside; clove and orange are wonderfully festive.

Scent-sational gifts
Making your own scented body and skin products is simple to do and will be gratefully received. You will also be giving something that’s nicely natural and kind to animals if you buy cruelty free ingredients. Try and buy your ingredients from a reputable aromatherapy or herbal internet supplier, or from a natural health shop. 

The following recipes are ideal to for beginners, but they can be varied. Alternatively, try creating your own blends for individual friends and family. To do this, you will need to purchase a good book on aromatherapy which will teach you the correct amounts to use and any health and safety precautions. Essential oils aren’t suitable for everyone, so please check carefully before using them and label your products accurately with all the ingredients.

Before selecting ingredients and making your products, consider who it’s being made for and whether or not they have any allergies or skin sensitivities. Spice and citrus oils can irritate sensitive skin, so use with care, and some base oils consist of nuts. You should also consider what their personal preferences may be. For example, men do not always like flowery smells.

Fruity shower gel
Blend together 5 drops each of grapefruit, orange and lavender essential oils. Mix well with 100ml of natural colour/fragrance-free shower gel base. Decant into a coloured glass bottle or jars.

Luxurious face cream
This cream does cost a little more to make, but is wonderfully luxurious and good for mature or dry skin. Blend together 4 drops of Frankincense and Rose Otto essential oils. Add 45ml of natural, colour/fragrance-free white base cream and 5ml of evening primrose oil. Mix well and add to a pretty glass jar.

Lip balms
Lip balms are easily made and popular with young people. Add 2 drops of lemon, grapefruit or orange essential oils to 10ml of organic aloe vera gel. Blend well and place in small glass jars.

Food flavourings such as lemon, peppermint, brandy or vanilla could be used as a cheaper substitute to essential oils.

Soothing after shave balm
Blend together 4 drops each of lavender and Sandalwood essential oils. Add 40ml of aloe vera gel and 10ml of almond oil (do not use almond if nut allergies). Mix well and place in a glass jar.

Christmas bath blend
Blend together 5 drops each of cinnamon, orange and juniper berry essential oils with 50ml of natural, colour/fragrance-free bath base. Decant into a coloured glass bottle or jars. Alternatively, add the same oils to 50ml of Dead Sea salts. 1-2 drops (maximum) of food colouring can be added to colour them if desired.

Silky body lotion
Blend together 7 drops each of geranium and lavender essential oils. Add 40ml of natural, colour/fragrance-free white lotion and 10ml of almond oil (do not use almond if nut allergies). Decant into a coloured glass bottle or jars.

Create a fragrant home

The traditional aroma of warming cloves, frankincense and citruses around your home will create a wonderfully festive feeling and make your Christmas more relaxing. Make a Christmas oil blend by mixing together 20 drops each of frankincense, clove, cinnamon, orange and pine essential oils. You can vary the blend if preferred by using other oils such and myrrh, ginger, lemon, black pepper, juniper berry, etc.

The Christmas blend can be used to fragrance seasoned logs, by adding 2-4 drops to a small log. Essential oils are highly inflammable, so do not throw your logs on the fire, but place in a warm place near the fire. 

Your blend can also be added to water to make a festive air freshener; add 30 drops to 100ml of water and place in a plant sprayer. Shake well before using and spray through the air, or onto a Christmas tree to scent it (do not spray electric lights or fabrics). This spray also makes a great  work surface antiseptic and floor cleaner, as the oils are all antibacterial.

You can perfume your candles by applying 1 drop of essential oil to the outside wax. Rub well into the wax (avoiding the wick) and leave to dry. Once dried you can light and the candle will have a subtle aroma.

Other ways to use fragrance

Adding fragrance to gifts is a lovely idea and makes the gift more enjoyable. Add 1 drop of pure essential oil to the label in pretty underwear or hankies; lavender, geranium and ylang ylang are nice for women. Place the item in a sealed bag for a day or two to allow the scent to develop. Repeat the process for a stronger fragrance. Only use pure essential oils, not absolutes (a solvent extracted oil), or synthetic fragrance oils on paper and clothing, as the latter ones may stain.

To unwind at the end of it all or calm down over excited children, add 2-4 drops of roman chamomile or lavender essential oils to an oil burner or bowl of hot water and place in the room. Relax and reflect on what was a wonderful Christmas!

You can find further information on using natural fragrances etc from the sources listed below.

Article by Julie Burke
SPA.ITEC.Cert.Ed

Member of the Complementary Therapists Association
www.merrymeetcottage.weebly.com