I believe it was Mark Twain who noted:  “The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer somebody else up.”  Such is the goal of a group of learners today who are making cards, decorating some holiday treats (candy cane reindeer), and wrapping up gift cards they are donating to local senior citizens.  You see, in place of purchasing each other gifts, they used the money they collected to purchase gift cards to share instead. 

While one group within this class diligently worked together on various tasks, an intense conversation took place about Christmas smells and favorite holiday smells.  Of course (you know what’s coming next), they encouraged me to blog this question to you today:  Of all the smells of the season, which one is your favorite?  Why is this smell so memorable to you?

I was pressured to share with these young learners that I vividly remember my Granny’s house smelling of cinnamon sticks, cloves, and oranges she would boil on the gas stove (I do this in our home today); peppermint sticks in my hot cocoa (made from scratch–no envelope packets back in the day); the aroma of fresh pine on the front door wreath…all these smells evoke strong memories and images of my childhood.  Whether you have special seasonal smells or not, these learners and I challenge you today to be SCENTsationally aware of the holiday smells in your world…and don’t forget to share it cheerfully with others along the way.  After all, keeping Christmas throughout the year is good, but sharing it with others is even better!  🙂