Christmas Simmering Spices

Nothing can get me in the mood for baking, cooking, wrapping or hosting like the smells of Christmas. Christmas Simmering Spices are so easy and smell just like Christmas!

What does Christmas “smell” like? For me, it’s a mixture of cinnamon, orange, cloves, pine, maybe a little anise and allspice.

If great smelling things are your jam, also try my Fall Simmering Spices and Lemon & Peppermint Antibacterial Hand scrub!

Christmas in a Bag | Easy Simmering Spices

Whether it’s through  essential oils or the actual products, these smells definitely release “happy hormones” in me!

The only thing missing is softly falling snow and a crackling fire in the hearth with the Christmas tree twinkling and emitting its woodsy, piney aroma.

Yes, we still have a real Christmas tree, I just can’t bring myself to buy an artificial tree, smells are so very important to me. Just ask my family and close friends about wet cement…ha!!

I’ve been putting together these “Christmas in a Bag” simmering spices for several years to give to friends, family and neighbors, they make great hostess and neighbor gifts.

Christmas Simmering Spice Ingredients

• 2-3 Cinnamon sticks
• 1 Tablespoon (scant) Cloves, whole
• 2-3 Star Anise (Optional)
• 1 Small Orange or 1 tablespoon dried Orange Peel
• ¼ cup (7-12) Fresh or dried Cranberries 
• 1 teaspoon whole Allspice
• 1 sprig of Cedar* or Spruce (optional)

*Snip off your own tree, or ask a neighbor, or from your local nursery or Christmas tree farm.

How to Make Christmas Simmering Spices

Place desired spices and fruit in a clear cello bag, tie with a pretty ribbon and attach a simple label.

Place the larger items in the bottom of a cellophane bag, then place the remaining items on top.

Tie it with a twist tie and then a ribbon or string and attach instructions for simmering.

PRINT SOME CUTE AND FUN LABELS FOR GIFTING!

I found these cute little paper berry baskets last year, be on the lookout for fun little things like this to place a package of cookies, candies, etc.

Don’t forget to save some for yourself!

Instructions for how to Simmer Christmas Spices

To use, simply pour contents into small saucepan and fill with water, bring to simmer and replenish water as needed.

Be sure to try my Fall Simmering Spices as well!

And while you are assembling your cute little hostess gifts, try sipping  (responsibly) on one of these wonderful holiday drinks, Blood Orange, Tangerine Gin & Tonic, Hot Buttered Rum, or Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini.

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Christmas in a Bag (Simmering Spices)

Give the gift of aromatherapy to a friend or neighbor this Christmas! A mixture of cinnamon, orange, cloves, pine, a little anise and allspice.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Total Time5 minutes mins

Course: Hostess Gifts

Cuisine: American

Keyword: allspice, cinnamon stick, cloves, cranberries, orange, star anise

Author: Kathleen Pope

Equipment

• Darice White Paper Berry Basket, 6 Piece
• Natural Jute Twine 2 Pack – Best Crafting Twine String for Craft Projects
• Jillson Roberts Bulk 100-Count Clear Cello Bags 

Materials

• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon cloves whole
• 2-3 star anise Optional
• 1 small orange or 1 tablespoon dried orange peel
• ¼ cup cranberries 7-12 fresh or dried
• 1 teaspoon allspice whole
• 1 sprig Cedar* or Spruce optional

US Customary – Metric

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Place all ingredients in a cellophane bag.

Tie with a pretty bow and attach a tag with the following instructions:

• Pour contents into a small pot, cover with water and bring to a simmer.
• If the water levels get below the spices, just add a bit more to refresh.
• Enjoy the smells of Christmas!

Notes

TIP | *Snip off from your own tree, or ask a neighbor, or from your local nursery or Christmas tree farm.