It’s a typical mid-December day in Stockholm. The air is crisp, the sun a pale disc in the winter sky, and the temperature hovers around -4°C. As I stroll with my bristly-haired companion, we pass vendors lining the street, their wares a festive display of spruce and fir trees, intertwined with fragrant wreaths. The scent of pine fills the air, evoking a vivid sense of the forest, a sensation likely shared by the fifty or so mites, spiders, and insects that have taken up temporary residence in each Christmas tree.
December is truly a month for the nose. It’s the olfactory receptors within that bring the festive scents to life, transmitting them via the olfactory nerve to the brain. The brain readily identifies the aroma of saffron as I linger in a small tea shop, inhaling the warm, spicy fragrance emanating from a steaming cup. Later, while decorating an orange with cloves, the brain registers the familiar, pungent scent. In a flower shop, the olfactory system works overtime, deciphering the complex tapestry of fragrances – hyacinth, eucalyptus, tazetta narcissus, pine needles, lilies, and amaryllis – each vying for attention. Even the evening bus ride home from an art exhibition carries the festive spirit, redolent with the aroma of mulled wine emanating from a jovial group, their lapels dusted with gingerbread crumbs and eyes sparkling with Christmas cheer.
The power of scent extends beyond personal enjoyment. Those looking to sell or rent their apartments often strategically employ the alluring aroma of freshly baked bread to create a positive impression and potentially drive up offers. While scented candles mimicking gingerbread or other festive aromas are also used, they lack the same impact. The olfactory nerve, it seems, prefers authenticity, craving genuine scents to relay to the olfactory center of the brain. Artificial fragrances simply don’t hold the same sway.
Ten days remain until Christmas Eve. The Nobel Prize festivities have concluded, and the voices of Lucia’s maidens and star boys, who have filled the air with their songs of heavy nighttime footsteps and Saint Stephen’s life as a stable boy, have fallen silent. Life returns to its usual rhythm, punctuated by the anticipation of the upcoming holiday.
The same crisp air, pale sun, and now -5°C temperature greet us as we embark on another walk. We pass the familiar Christmas tree vendors, the freshly-resurfaced ice rink, and a frost-covered greenhouse, the city wrapped in its winter coat. The anticipation of Christmas hangs in the air, palpable and exciting.
Returning home after our stroll, a different scent greets us as we open the door. It’s the unmistakable aroma of toffee, but not just any toffee – burnt toffee. A slightly acrid note hangs in the air, a stark contrast to the crisp winter air and the fragrant pine we encountered earlier. It’s a reminder that even amidst the carefully curated scents and traditions of the season, the unexpected can, and often does, occur. And sometimes, even a burnt aroma can add a unique, and perhaps even memorable, touch to the festive season. This anecdote perfectly encapsulates the essence of the holiday season – a blend of anticipated traditions, unexpected occurrences, and the sensory experiences that make it all so special. From the fragrant pine trees to the burnt toffee, it’s the sum of these moments that truly defines the magic of Christmas.
