As the holiday season rolls in, there’s something magical about the fragrances that fill the air. They’re not just smells; they’re memory makers, transporting us to celebrations and times of joy from years past. From the fresh whiff of pine to the cosy warmth of gingerbread, each scent tells a story. This year, why not embrace the holiday spirit with a journey around different scents for each of the 12 days leading up to Christmas?
Inspired by the traditional carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” (and that episode of The Office where Andy gifts Erin so many, many birds) – today I’m creating a gifting guide full of fragrances that are a nod to the iconic lines of this carol. I truly hope this sensory experience adds a new dimension to your holiday celebrations!
Day 1
“On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree”
A mellow scent, this perfume sports notes of the King William Pear – an unusual ingredient with a distinctively sweet, fresh smell. Additionally, it sports lilting notes of freesia as well as woody patchouli.
Day 2
“On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves“
Not a perfume, the Dove Fragrance Oil smells like…well, Dove soap. If you’re a big fan of this household favourite, this oil brings you the magic of that nostalgic scent with more variety in application. You can use this for a relaxing bath, add it to scented candles and use it in your diffuser!
Day 3
“On the third day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Three French hens,“
Infused with the richness of saffron and raspberry, the Oud Infini by Lunaer Paris smells like leather and the kiss of smoky musk! A smell that reaches for the stars.
Day 4
“On the fourth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Four calling birds,“
While the scent that accompanies Nina Ricci L’Air Du Temps EDT is jasmine, rose, and carnation – the bottle is in the shape of a bird, which is close enough.
Day 5
“On the fifth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Five golden rings,“
The smell of gold is not somehing I’m very familiar with but in this case, the Colour Me Homme Gold Eau De Parfum for Men smells like a fusion of fruity, crisp and aromatic herbs with a spicy floral heart and warm base. Which pretty much sounds golden.
Day 6
“On the sixth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Six geese a-laying“
A little too on the nose, but the Grey Goose Vodka Liquor Bottle Candle is a hand-cut and poured soy-blended candle with a slow-burning wick and makes for an incredible present for your drink buddies.
Day 7
“On the seventh day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Seven swans a-swimming“
It does not smell like a swan but looks like one and I’m pretty sure that counts. This one is more about the packaging than the scent and comes in a gorgeous vintage, coloured glass bottle from the 1970s.
Day 8
“On the eighth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Eight maids a-milking“
Smells like “a nostalgia of animal crackers, warm milk, a soft blanket, and luminescent white amber daydreams.” Shipping charges are extra, but this is a pretty cute gift to give to a loved one who’s obsessed with the nostalgia surrounding milk.
Day 9
“On the ninth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Nine ladies dancing“
Nothing that smells more like sensual femininity than the iconic DIOR Miss DIOR Eau De Parfum. It is the quintessential scent of Grasse rose wrapped with a lively rosewood for a modern, floral fragrance.
Day 10
“On the tenth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Ten lords a-leaping“
The Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Eau De Toilette is one of Ranbir Kapoor’s go-to scents and smells like fresh mint, lavendar and vanilla. A thoughtful gift for the man in your life!
Day 11
“On the eleventh day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Eleven pipers piping“
The Lorenzo Villoresi Piper Nigrum perfume smells like the desert, peppers, and spices – bended with fresh and cirtus notes, its a refined scent with a hint of spice.
Day 12
“On the twelfth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Twelve drummers drumming“
Drummers are notoriously sweaty so a fragrance inspired by those doesn’t fit the vibe. Instead, I recommend this cheeky one called RockOn by Rock On. Hilarious and a fun gift for anyone you know who’s in a rock band!
As we journey through these 12 days of whimsically paired Christmas fragrances, we’re reminded of the joy and creativity that this festive season brings. Each scent, from the mellow notes of pear and freesia to the bold aroma of spices and leather, offers a unique way to celebrate the holiday spirit!
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