Festive fragrances bring favorite holiday memories to life

Posted: Friday, November 16, 2012 12:00 am | Updated: 3:00 am, Tue Jan 15, 2013.

(BPT) - Have you ever found yourself starting to dread the holidays? Ever felt more like saying “bah, humbug” than “merry Christmas” when you run into family and friends? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. While the holidays are supposed to be a joyous occasion, trying to meet unrealistic expectations from decorating the mantle and trimming the tree, to hosting and entertaining family and friends, can bring out the Scrooge in anyone. Suddenly the desire to create the perfect dream Christmas crashes into the realities of tight budgets, too little time and too many obligations, huge crowds while shopping, and other issues.

A simple way to ease the stress is with a holiday-scented candle. “Many people tell us that they find the very act of lighting a candle to be relaxing,” says Bob Nelson, president of the National Candle Association. “However, the fragrances play a far bigger role. Festive fragrances can trigger fond Christmas memories all the way back to childhood.”