The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and delightful scents. Why not combine all three with a 12-day scented Advent calendar? This DIY project lets you count down to Christmas in the most aromatic way possible. Read on to learn how to create this fragrant holiday masterpiece.
Materials You’ll Need
- 12 small jars or containers with lids
- Dried herbs (e.g., lavender, rosemary)
- Dried fruits (e.g., orange slices, apple rings)
- Dried flowers (e.g., rose petals, chamomile)
- Cinnamon sticks
- Numbered stickers or tags (1-12)
- A board or tray to arrange the jars
- Optional: Ribbon, twine, or small ornaments for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Collect Your Containers
Find 12 small jars or containers with lids. These could be mini mason jars, empty spice jars, or any other small containers. Ensure they are clean and dry.
Step 2: Choose Your Scents
Decide on a variety of dried herbs, fruits, flowers, and cinnamon sticks that you’d like to use. Consider seasonal aromas or your personal favorites.
Step 3: Fill the Jars
Place your chosen dried items into the jars. You can use a single item per jar or mix and match to create unique scents. For example, a jar could contain dried lavender and rose petals, while another might have cinnamon sticks and dried orange slices.
Step 4: Seal and Number the Jars
Once each jar is filled with your aromatic ingredients, seal it tightly with its lid. Attach a numbered sticker or tag to each jar, starting from 1 and going up to 12.
Step 5: Arrange Your Advent Calendar
Place the jars on a board or tray in numerical order. If you wish, decorate the board or the jars themselves with festive ribbons, twine, or small ornaments.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Fragrant Countdown
Starting on December 1st, open one jar each day to release its delightful aroma. You can either close the jar to preserve the scent for another time or leave it open to fill a room with fragrance.
Optional Variations
- Themed Days: You could theme the scents by type—perhaps the first few days are herbal scents, followed by fruity aromas, and so on.
- Add a Note: Include a small note in each jar with a holiday message or a suggestion for a festive activity to do that day.
- Gift It: Consider creating a second calendar as a unique, handmade gift for a friend or family member.
Conclusion
Creating a 12-day scented Advent calendar is a delightful way to add aroma and anticipation to your holiday season. It’s a simple yet rewarding project that can involve the whole family. So why not make this holiday season extra special with a fragrant countdown to Christmas?
