Jody walked into her mother’s house on December 24th and was hit with so many memories from her past.
The crisp citrus scent coming from the living room where the decorating was beginning to happen. Jody pulled a needle to her nose and inhaled the sweet, spicy smell taking her back ten years to the last time she came home.
“Mom, do you remember when we went out to the lot to get this?”
“You mean when you got knocked over after trying your luck with the saw?”
Jody laughed and admitted it was a lot of fun, but now realized it could also be dangerous if you weren’t careful.
The scent of sage drew her away from the decorating and into the kitchen to check it out. Jody’s sister was draped in a red apron with a picture of a reindeer with a shiny red nose sprinkling flour into a bowl.
“What ja making, Sue?”
“Close your eyes and tell me what you smell, and then you will know.”
Jody closed her eyes as she held her nose close to where her sister was standing.
“There is a strong smell of cinnamon and fresh, crisp apples. I know, you’re making my favorite pie.”
Jody put on a kettle of water and began to set several cups on the counter. This was her favorite of all time. Coloured Candy Canes melting in a sea of swirling, hot milk mixed with a packet of divine chocolate for each one, leaving off the mild scent of peppermint.
After preparing the drinks, Jody put them on a tray and carried it out to the living room for everyone to enjoy. The children were having such a fun time. Mom pressed the white button when the decorating stopped, and the lights came on, flashing back and forth in sequence.
At noon, everyone sat at the dining room table, and Jody’s Dad carved the turkey, and the passing began. As each plate or bowl came to Jody, she inhaled the wonderful smells emitting from them.
Melted butter mixed with celery, sage, pork, and bread crumbs all rolled into a ball. Special drinks covered in nutmeg’s scent. The smell of mandarin oranges, clove, and cinnamon mixed as the wick flickered lightly in the background.
Overstuffed from all the delicious food, Jody went into the den to recover and make room for dessert. The aroma of hickory filled the room as she sat in her father’s recliner and closed her eyes.
The smells of Christmas can be overwhelming and, at the same time, pleasant. Sometimes we are always in a hurry and never take the time to enjoy what is right there in front of us.
Jody spent the last ten years working and not even putting up a tree because she couldn’t be bothered. She promised her mother that from now on, she would come home every year for Christmas. The smells were divine. A hint of nutmeg. A stronger one of ginger from her sister’s cookies.
Although they spent several hours wrapping presents, Jody could never figure out what the smell was coming from the paper even with her eyes closed. Guess paper is just paper and has no scent unless someone adds it in.
Christmas is a time to re-connect with family and friends. Still, most of all, we need to re-connect with the wonderful smells associated with the holiday. So try and be like Jody. Close your eyes and take in the wonders given to you from your sense of smell.
This year see what smells of Christmas you discover. Maybe some will become your favorites or those you don’t even want to be close to.
So many memories associated with smells. Wonderful description.