The Simple Touch of Pomander Balls to Bring in the Scents of Christmas

I love the smells of Christmas goodies baking in the kitchen! It makes things so warm and cozy with the aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, anise and cloves wafting through the air. But with the busyness of the season there might not be enough time to bake as much as we like. Adding pomander balls around the home is a way to bring in the same scents without turning on the oven!

Pomander balls go all the way back to the 15th century when they served as natural air fresheners for closets and drawers. Here are the items needed and steps below to create your own pomander balls.

• Any citrus favorite...oranges, lemons, limes, or grapefruit
• Toothpicks
• Whole cloves
• Ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, anise, lavender or rosemary
• Resealable plastic bag
• Ribbon for hanging

1. Use a toothpick to punch holes in your fruit. Fill the entire space or create a design to make things festive.

2. Push the whole cloves in the holes you just created.

3. Once the fruit is studded with the cloves, place ground spices and pomander ball in the resealable plastic bag and shake until fruit is coated. You can even add powdered orris root to encourage quick and even drying.

4. Remove fruit from the bag and tie on ribbon to hang in hallways, on the tree or in closets. You can also place the pomander balls in bowls to create scented displays.

These wonderful creations also make great gifts! Not only will your loved ones cherish a gift handmade by you, but you'll also be filling their home with scents to enjoy the whole season and beyond.

Thank Your Local Protectors

Usually I begin Christmas decorating on November 30th, but this year things have been moving rather slowly. On one of many errands to gather Christmas decorations this evening I came across several accidents with fire trucks and rescue crews racing to the scene. While sitting in traffic I began to pray for those involved in the accidents as well as those rushing to offer help. Thankfulness for those who put there lives on the line embraced my heart. Thankfulness for the families who send their loved ones out each day, not knowing if they will return.

This season offer a gift of thanks to those in your community who help keep you safe...fire fighters, police, service men and women, the crossing guard for your local school, etc. Reach out and let them know they're appreciated. Make it a family affair and get the kids involved. Bake cookies and decorate handmade cards. It doesn't cost much, but a handmade gift means more than you would ever imagine. Contact your local USO to see what items they might need for the troops and put together care packages for service members. Christmas cards written with notes of thanks for their service would mean the world too!

We have a fire station close by our home so I'll be dropping by with a basket of cookies to let them know someone is thinking about them. Doing little things like this throughout the holiday season brings the true meaning of Christmas closer. It's not about presents or glowing Christmas lights, but it's about sharing the gift of love with those around us. So begin thinking of ways to give thanks this season and get creative (: