Decorations have always been an integral part of Christmas, but nowadays with plastic Christmas trees and decorations, those traditional 'Christmassy' smells no longer permeate the air.
To recapture that evocative aroma of Christmas with nature's essential oils, spray the tree with a fragrant oil mixture, such as pine oil and water, or sprinkle a few drops of the same oil around the base of the tree.
A few drops of oil on a piece of absorbent material wrapped around the trunk is also effective.
To make your Christmas tree spray, dissolve two millilitres of essential oil of pine in 10mls of methylated spirits and then add this to a pump-spray bottle containing 500mls of distilled water.
For a truly fresh-smelling 'Christmassy' aroma, which can also be liberally sprayed throughout the house, dissolve eight drops of mandarin oil, four drops of tangerine oil and two drops of cinnamon oil in 10mls of methylated spirits and then mix with 500mls of distilled water.
If you would like to give your spray a 'spiritual edge', include two drops of frankincense oil in the blend.
Burning essential oils in ceramic simmering pots is another way to fill the air with festive aromas.
The following blend is ideally suited for burning and will give a feeling of warmth and of the festive season as its fragrance permeates the air.
Mix together four drops of mandarin oil and one drop each of geranium and cinnamon oils in a cup of boiling water.
Preheat the saucer on top of your simmering pot with the candle that is supplied with it, and three-quarters fill the saucer with the fragrant water, topping up as required.
Scented wrapping paper is also a delight and adds to the warmth and feeling of Christmas.
To make your gifts an aromatic delight, place two drops of your chosen essential oil on a cottonwool ball and leave in a sealed bag with the wrapping paper overnight.
You can even use different fragrances for different members of your family.
Try cedarwood or frankincense for a strong smell, cinnamon or rose for sweet smells and mandarin as a gentle smell for children, or experiment with your own choice.
Pieces of ribbon used to tie around gifts can also be impregnated with fragrance.
Add five drops of essential oil to a cup of water, dip the ribbons in this and then allow them to dry.
Bay and citrus oils are excellent choices, contributing to the 'aromatic picture' of Christmas as they release their gentle and subtle scents.
