One of my favorite things about the holidays is getting all bundled up with blankets, slippers, and hot chocolate and just sitting by the fire. Growing up on Cape Cod we always had a wood stove that filled our house with not only heat, but lots of memories. There was always a large pile of wood stacked up ready to go. Who had to go get it outside, drag the wood through the snow with the sled was always a battle, yet Dad generally won (out of kindness, not by choice, but he never complained). I love the crackle sound of the kindling catching a blaze, the roar when the top would be open, and of course the smell. To me this is Christmas.
The fragrance and warmth of the stove evokes a sense of comfort, but it is also a great opportunity for some eco friendly air freshener. Just place a large durable pot of water on top of the stove and fill it with your favorite holiday items. Some great ideas are cinnamon sticks, dried oranges, grapefruit, and apples, star anise, lemon rinds, vanilla, cloves and mint. Your home will be filled with some amazing scents, just like mom used to make!
