For many people, the holidays are a time of tradition — Christmas trees, roast turkey, a crackling fire, and fresh-baked cookies. The season often creates a feeling of intense nostalgia, but not necessarily because of the sights or sounds. The biggest trigger for nostalgia is actually our sense of smell. And for the holiday season, that means a lot of smells — and a lot of nostalgia.
“Our brain processes smells via the olfactory bulb in our nose, which is attached to the hippocampus and amygdala in our brains,” explained Nicholas Mathenia, DO, a neurologist with Endeavor Health. “These are the parts of our brain associated with memory and emotion.”
This direct connection to these areas of the brain means we’re often experiencing the memories and emotions connected to a smell before we even recognize the source of the scent itself. Holiday smells are often tightly linked to nostalgia, a generally positive emotion that can create a feeling of warmth and comfort for many people.
“When we smell something familiar, we are immediately and subconsciously transported back to where we first encountered that scent,” said Dr. Mathenia. “When it comes to the holidays, those familiar smells often remind us of positive childhood memories associated with this time of year.”
In fact, smell is such a powerful activator in our brains that we can use different scents to trigger states of calm and relaxation. Aromatherapy is the use of different smells — typically via essential oils — to improve wellbeing. Various scents can help calm anxiety, promote sleep and even improve digestion.
“If you plan on using essential oils for aromatherapy purposes, consult your healthcare provider first,” said Dr. Mathenia. “Your doctor can help ensure you use the right essential oils correctly and safely.”
Because holiday smells tend to be linked with happy memories, they don’t simply smell good — they can boost your mood and promote relaxation. Whether you’re lighting a pine tree-scented candle or sitting in front of a crackling fire with a mug of hot cider, the scents of the season can help you unwind at the end of the day.
With all the social obligations, Christmas shopping, and baking you may have on your schedule, the holiday season can be a stressful one. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, stop and breathe in the many wonderful scents of the season. It’s not just pleasant — it’s good for you!
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