There’s something magical about December—the soft lights, the cozy blankets, the excitement building in the air. But sometimes, even during the holidays, life feels busy and overwhelming… especially for moms juggling decorating, cooking, gifting, and keeping the home feeling calm.
One of my favorite ways to bring instant Christmas warmth into the home—without candles or sprays—is a Christmas simmer pot.
A simmer pot is a simple mix of fruits, spices, and herbs that gently warm on the stove, filling your home with the cozy scents of the season. It’s natural, child-friendly, budget-friendly, and unbelievably comforting.
If you’re ready to make your home smell like a Christmas movie… here are the blends that will bring that magic.
🎄 What Makes a Simmer Pot “Christmas?”
Christmas simmer pots use ingredients that naturally smell warm, sweet, nostalgic, and festive, like:
- cinnamon
- oranges
- cranberries
- cloves
- pine
- rosemary
- vanilla
- star anise
These ingredients release a gentle aroma—not too strong, not artificial—just the cozy holiday feeling everyone loves.
⭐ The Classic Christmas Simmer Pot (Holiday Standard)
This blend smells like Christmas morning wrapped in a blanket.
Ingredients:
- 1 orange, sliced
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks
- ½ teaspoon whole cloves
- 1–2 star anise
- 4–5 cups water
How to Make:
Add everything to a pot, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat. Add more water as needed.
This is the safest beginner blend and perfect for hosting.
🍭 Candy Cane Christmas Simmer Pot (Kid Favorite)
A soft, sweet holiday scent that feels playful and cozy.
Ingredients:
- 2 peppermint candy canes (or 1 tsp peppermint extract)
- 1 orange, sliced
- A few drops vanilla extract
- Water
How it smells:
Cool, sweet, and cheerful—like hot cocoa nights and wrapping gifts.
🌲 Cozy Pine + Citrus Christmas Simmer Pot
Perfect for moms who love the smell of a real Christmas tree.
Ingredients:
- A few small pine or fir clippings (or 2 rosemary sprigs)
- Lemon slices
- Orange slices
- 1–2 cinnamon sticks
- Water
How it smells:
Fresh outdoor winter air + warm holiday spices.
Great for after decorating the tree or cleaning.
🍎 Warm Apple Pie Christmas Simmer Pot
This one smells like holiday baking without turning on the oven.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1 orange slice
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Water
How it smells:
Sweet, spicy, and bakery-warm.
Perfect for Christmas Eve.
✨ Christmas Spice Blend (Holiday Dinner Reset)
A deep, richer scent for evenings or gatherings.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup cranberries
- 2 orange slices
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 cloves
- 1 small piece of fresh ginger
- Water
How it smells:
Sophisticated holiday fragrance—warm and comforting without being too sweet.
🎁 Slow & Simple Morning Simmer (December Breakfast Blend)
Perfect when you’re making pancakes or sipping coffee.
Ingredients:
- Lemon slices
- Cinnamon stick
- Vanilla extract
- A sprig of rosemary
- Water
How it smells:
Clean, bright, lightly sweet — perfect slow-morning energy.
🌿 How Long Should Christmas Simmer Pots Run?
Simmer on low for 1–2 hours, adding water whenever the pot looks low.
Turn off the heat if you leave the room — safety first during the holidays.
🎄 Make-Ahead Gift Idea (Easy for Moms)
Holiday simmer pots also make beautiful, budget-friendly gifts.
Fill a small jar or bag with:
- dried oranges
- cranberries
- cinnamon sticks
- cloves
- star anise
- rosemary
Add a cute tag:
“Simmer on the stove for a cozy holiday home.”
Thoughtful + affordable + cozy.
✨ Christmas Simmer Pot Quick Wins
Short on time? Try these:
✔ Slice one orange + add cinnamon
✔ Add cranberries + cloves for instant holiday scent
✔ Add pine or rosemary after cleaning to refresh the home
✔ Mix vanilla + cinnamon for a warm baking smell
Small resets create big feelings of home.
🌟 Try These Next
- Natural Oven Cleaning (Baking Soda + Vinegar)
- Gentle Night Reset Routine for Moms
- Fall Cleaning Checklist for Cozy Living
- Small Space Reset Routine
If you love soft, cozy routines that make your home feel warm and welcoming, explore my easy reset printables made for busy moms:
👉 Visit My Reset Resource Page
Your home deserves comfort.
You deserve peace.