The Secret Smells That Instantly Put Brits in a Festive Mood Revealed

Two thirds of those who celebrate Christmas in the UK said that traditional festive aromas instantly put them in the holiday spirit. This led researchers to compile a list of the nation's top 20 favourite Christmas smells, providing a fascinating insight into the distinctive fragrances that define the festive season.

From the sweet, spicy aroma of mince pies to the warm, comforting scent of crackling fires, the list reveals the incredible diversity of smells that evoke the spirit of Christmas in the British psyche.

Unsurprisingly, the smell of Christmas trees topped the list, evoking memories of visits to Christmas tree farms and family trips to select the perfect tree. Closely following were the scents of cooking Christmas dinner, with the smells of roast turkey and roasting vegetables ranking highly in the list.

Others smells that made the list included scented candles, hot chocolate, gingerbread, cookies, eggnog, candy canes, and frankincense. Interestingly, the festive aroma of mulled wine also ranked highly, alongside the scent of evergreen wreaths and festive pinecones.

According to experts, these smells have an intrinsic ability to evoke powerful emotional associations, and can be closely linked to memories and emotions triggered during the festive period. It's no surprise then, that many UK retailers make the most of festive fragrances during the holiday season, using them to create welcoming store environments and enticing advertisements.

For many people, festive fragrances are inextricably linked to their sense of identity and cultural heritage, and play an integral role in creating a festive atmosphere. Whether it's an enticing scent wafting from a decorated fir tree or the comforting aroma of homemade festive treats, these captivating smells have the power to instantly evoke a sense of festive magic.

According to researchers, exploring the psychological effects of festive fragrances has significant implications for the future of Christmas marketeers. The researchers found that 'emotional connections to specific Christmas smells can be strong triggers for activity such as shopping and celebrating.'

Although these scents are traditionally associated with the holiday season, it seems they serve a greater purpose than just setting the mood; researchers claim that our brains are much more responsive to festive scents during the holiday season. While some argue these smells are even capable of influencing consumer behavior during the holidays.