As the year winds down, I find myself slowly adjusting to the thought that another holiday season is upon us. Once again, we’ll be celebrating Christmas and New Year’s far away from many of our close friends and family. And while I don’t usually get too sentimental about it—life carries on, after all—there’s something about this time of year that brings a tender nostalgia. For me, it’s often scents that stir those memories most. A familiar fragrance can pull me right back into a moment: the warmth of childhood gatherings, the sparkle of festive evenings, the laughter of people I miss.
So, in the spirit of the holidays—and since fragrance is on my mind today—I wanted to share a few little rituals and seasonal favorites that carry me through December. They’re small things, but each one smells like joy.
Gifting Fragrance, Giving Memories
Let’s start with the obvious: gifts. I always keep a running list on my phone filled with notes and ideas for Thomas and the kids, which grows as Sinterklaas (our Dutch Santa on December 5th) and Christmas get closer. And, of course, my parents and sisters aren’t forgotten. This year, I know exactly what’s going into their stockings: a bottle of the Tiffany & Co fragrance I’ve been wearing since New York Fashion Week.
It’s crisp, elegant, and somehow feels both modern and timeless. I’ve fallen completely in love with it, so much so that I can’t resist sharing it with the women in my family. My mom and sisters are probably rolling their eyes if they’re reading this (stop here, please!), but I’m certain they’ll adore it too. For me, a fragrance gift is more than just a beautiful bottle—it’s an invitation to create new memories, a scent that will tie them to the holidays for years to come.
Hot Cocoa at Bemelmans
The next tradition is less about gifting and more about indulging: hot cocoa at Bemelmans Bar in The Carlyle. This spot is pure New York heritage, and it charms me no matter the season. The murals alone could put anyone in the holiday mood—the walls are painted with whimsical scenes of all four seasons, and the little corner where I love to sit represents winter. It’s magical.
And then, of course, there’s the cocoa. It’s the only hot chocolate I truly crave—rich without being too heavy, thick without being overly sweet. It’s perfectly balanced, topped with that irresistible fragrance of warm chocolate drifting through the air. There’s something about wrapping your hands around the cup in the middle of Manhattan that feels like its own small holiday ritual, a moment of calm in the city that never really stops.
Walks Through a Winter Wonderland
Living on the Upper West Side has given me another seasonal favorite: long walks through Central Park. Truthfully, I don’t get out there as often as I’d like—work has a way of keeping me glued to my desk—but every time I make it a priority, I’m reminded why I love it so much.
The scent of fallen leaves in autumn, the sharp, cold air in winter—it’s nature’s version of aromatherapy. There’s a freshness that clears my head and lifts my energy. And when the first snow arrives, transforming the park into a glistening white wonderland, with twinkling lights strung throughout the city, New York feels like it was made for Christmas. It’s the kind of scene you imagine in a movie, only this one happens right outside my door.
Why Scents Matter This Time of Year
All these little traditions—whether it’s choosing a fragrance for my family, sipping cocoa under painted murals, or wandering through the crisp winter air—have something in common. They’re tied together by scent. A single fragrance has the power to bring me back to past Decembers, while also anchoring me in the joy of the present moment.
That’s what I love most about the holidays: how they live in the details. Not the grand gestures or elaborate plans, but the way something smells, the warmth of a favorite drink, or the hush of a snowy evening. Those are the memories that last.
Final Thoughts
Another year is almost behind us, and even though we’re far from many of the people we love, I’ve found comfort in small rituals that keep the season alive. Fragrance, cocoa, winter walks—they may seem simple, but they’re the threads that weave holiday magic into everyday life.
So as we step into another December, I’m holding onto these little joys. Because the holidays aren’t just about where you are or who you’re with—they’re about the scents, tastes, and traditions that make this time of year unforgettable.
