by Mindy Obenhaus
Have you ever seen the look in child's eyes when they stare at a Christmas tree? It's an expression filled with awe and anticipation. And that is exactly how we should feel during this season of Advent. In awe of the fact that Jesus stepped down from heaven and came to earth as a helpless baby--not in splendor, but in the squaller of stable--to save the world. And in anticipation of His second coming and the joy of the holiday season.
Some people say Christmas has become too commercial. And while that may be true, Who else do you know whose birthday is a month-long event filled with special songs heralding their birth, twinkling lights...
And treats that make an appearance only this time of year?
Christmas Scent is comprised of an orange, a lemon, four cinnamon sticks, three bay leaves, and a good handful (approximately ¼ cup) of whole cloves. For gift giving, the ingredients can be placed in a cellophane bag and tied with a pretty ribbon adorned with the Christmas Scent label with instructions on the other side. The instructions read:
Cut lemon and orange into quarters; combine fruit, spices, and one quart of water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer as long as desired. (Add more water, as needed.) Any leftover mixture can be covered and refrigerated for several days to be reused.
Oh, and did I happen to mention I have a new book on store shelves now?
Can a property dispute… Turn into a holiday blessing?
When single mom Annalise Grant inherits a fledgling Christmas tree farm in
Texas, she vows to do whatever it takes to make it a success. But when neighbor
Hawkins Prescott claims some of her trees are on his property,
the only option is a partnership. As Christmas draws closer, Annalise and
Hawkins find themselves growing closer as well. Could a family by Christmas
become part of the deal?
Who doesn't want their home to snell like Christmas? Thanks for the reminder of such a simple and sweet gift idea. I think I know what my coworkers are getting this year. And the book looks lovely! Congratulations on another release!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Glynis! And this scent is amazing. Whenever I put it on, the kids come in and say, "It smells like Christmas."
DeleteMindy, what a great post and how moving. I used to have a problem with the commercialism. What Christian wouldn't? I had to recast my thinking until I saw the Christmas season as a time to Show Love To Others. Sometimes it's with a gift, sometimes it's by calling a truce. Sigh. It's a delicate balance, especially for Christians and especially this time of year. I love the idea of the Birthday Cake for Jesus and also the Kneeling Santa.
ReplyDeleteI don't have children at home, or grandchildren, and I kind of miss the "hecticness" of it all -- church pageant tonight, school concert tomorrow night, etc. But it is what it is, and it was what it was, and what it was was glorious. If I had to do all that today I'd probably go off the road at some point, and don't get me started on losing my car in the parking lot.
Congratulations on your release. Fun fact, we're both in BookSweeps this month! I'm in for "Redemption's Hope."
May be back later,
Kathy Bailey
Your Kaybee
Anticipating in New Hampshire
Kathy, I'm going to go find your book. Congratulations!
DeleteThank you, Karen. Let me know what you think.
DeleteHecticness. Or "hecticity"?
DeleteKathy, I love the kneeling Santa. And how cool that we're both in the BookSweeps giveaway. Great minds. ;-)
DeleteThanks for sharing your Christmas scent recipe. Don't put me in the drawing. I already have the book and will be reading it very soon!
ReplyDeleteSandy, I hope you enjoy the story. And you will love the scent.
DeleteI like the quote from Santa in the movie The Polar Express, "Just remember, the spirit of Christmas lies in your heart." One year my grandson wanted that Santa doll from the movie. I found the doll at the mall, and bought 2, one for Andrew and one for me. Mine stays on my bed during Christmas. I'm using the scent recipe to give this year. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteKaren, that Santa is a wise man. Not one of the original three, mind you ;-) I hope you try the scent out at your house, too.
DeleteI love that recipe! The house would smell AH-MAY-ZING! I am a sucker for any citrus scent, so this one hits just right!
ReplyDeleteYou will love it, Erica! And it's all natural.
DeleteThank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, JCP. Merry Christmas!
DeleteMindy, I love that you're sharing that simmering scent.... it's so wonderfully good!!! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Ruthy.
DeleteHi Mindy - thanks for sharing your Christmas scent recipe! I've been enjoying collecting these recipes this month. :)
ReplyDeleteI was in Walmart yesterday (in the Ottawa, Canada area) and saw your new release, along with ALL of the Love Inspired Christmas duologies released this year. :) Love seeing all these books at the store.
Congratulations on another release!
You're welcome, Lee-Ann. And thank you. It's always good to hear about our books in the "wild." ;-)
DeleteThis recipe is a great gift idea! We give small gifts of goodies to our neighbors every year, and it will be great to include a non-fattening one. :-)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the new release. The story looks wonderful!
Jan, part of what makes it so nice is that it's something they can actually use (without worrying about their waistline). When I used to give this scent as teacher gifts, they always came back to me in subsequent years asking for the recipe.
DeleteLovely, Mindy! Congrats on the new release too! Advent is such a special time of anticipation and expectation for little ones and grown-ups alike, but as you mentioned, there's nothing quite so special at Christmas as the wonder in a child's eyes as he or she beholds not only the Christmas tree and presents but, also, the manger scene with the sleeping Baby Jesus! O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Debby!
DeleteSounds marvelous!
ReplyDeleteAnd it smells even better!
DeleteThanks for sharing this Christmas scent recipe. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, Connie. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
DeletePreparing a party for Jesus seems like such a little thing to do to celebrate His birth in light of His incomparable gift to us. Sparkles and lights and presents bring wonder to a child's face, but teaching them what all that means is the greatest gift we can give them. When my kids were in Sunday School and they performed the Christmas story for the congregation, the message their innocent words and actions touched my heart more than any prepared sermon by an adult (not that I'm knocking the message given by our pastor!!).
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new release, Mindy! And for sharing the recipe to help make my home look and SMELL like Christmas!!
Audra, the Anonymous
Thank you, Audra. Your home will smell wonderful.
DeleteThat Christmas scent looks so easy to make! Might have to include "Not to be Consumed Internally" in the instructions! lol
ReplyDeletePam, I've always thought of it as all-natural. Can you imagine the look on someone's face if they bit into a clove? Eek.
Delete