Christmas is a time of traditions for most families. Fragrances are a part of that tradition. When a group of women were asked to name a fragrance that comes to mind when Christmas is mentioned, the following were recalled: balsam, pine, cinnamon, oranges, gingerbread and hot mulled cider. A few also mentioned church incense.

Actually, the association with fragrances can be said to go back to that very first Christmas when field grass and herbs were cut to feed and bed the animals in that stable in Bethlehem. Today, certain herbs are called manger herbs because they were said to have grown in the fields about the Holy Lands. Thyme, rosemary, lavender and Penny Royal are just a few of those that can be listed.

Later the people of old England and France, who held spices dear, were famous for Wassail and other mulled drinks, including a hot beverage simmered with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. We do lots of cider this way, but some folks like the same spices in hot wine, rum or coffee. Eggnog laced with nutmeg is also a traditional holiday beverage.

To make your own mulling or simmer spices use fresh whole spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves and some peel from an orange or lemon. Crush whole spices into chunks before tying them in a piece of cheesecloth or placing them in a small linen or muslin bag. This step makes it easy to simmer and add cider to the pot, but eliminates the bother of straining the beverage before drinking. If hot mulled cider or wine is not favored or desired, simmer the spices in water on low. The house will smell great!

If it's balsam or pine that you want to smell, but your tree is artificial, do not despair. A handful of balsam or potpourri placed in a bowl or basket near the fireplace, wood stove or ever heater vent will do the trick. If the fragrance is not enough, simmer the balsam needles in water.

Old bunches of rosemary, thyme, lavender, Southern Wood and scented Geraniums can be placed near a fireplace or wood stove when they are too dusty and faded to be used for crafts. They will give of fragrance, and can also be placed in the fireplace on the dying embers. Toss near the edge so that the fragrance does not all go up in the chimney.

One of our traditions is to set out the nativity set I painted at a ceramic class over 23 years ago. The stable was one of my husbands first projects during the summer we awaited the birth of our first son. Each year as we bring this out, we remember past holidays and picture one of the three boys unwrapping and placing this or that figure in the scene. I now add some dried herbs to the floor of the stable. Lemon thyme, rosemary, lemon verbena, Southernwood, and marjoram all make the room smell nice. We hardly notice anymore that the donkey has a missing ear, some of the figures are chipped, and one of the shepherds has been glued back together. This nativity scene is so much a part of our Christmas that it is loved just as it is.

Add a little spice or even a few herbs to your holiday this year. Be creative and experimental. If you do not have any homegrown or dried herbs, try the spice rack or cabinet. Next, try the potpourri section of a craft shop or florist near you.