I love using essential oils to fill my home with the smell of Christmas!
- The bright peppermint of candy canes
- Sweet orange that takes me back to childhood scratch-and-sniff holiday books
- Spruce and fir that evoke finding the perfect Christmas tree
There are so many nostalgic and cozy Christmas scents to enjoy.
Ways to use essential oils at Christmas
An ultrasonic diffuser is a great way to circulate peppermint, pine, and orange aromas throughout the house. But there are times when a plug-in diffuser isn’t practical—bathrooms, small nooks, or rooms without convenient outlets.
For those spots I like to use room sprays, reed diffusers, and this charming Christmas potpourri jar diffuser. It’s decorative, portable, and ideal for areas where you can’t or don’t want to run an electronic diffuser.
How to make an essential oil potpourri diffuser
Note: this post mentions affiliate links. If you click certain links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Step 1: Start with a mason jar that has air holes in its lid
Use any jar size you like—small jars make cute accents, while larger wide-mouth jars are easier to arrange. Look for craft-store or online mason jar lids with built-in vents or decorative cutouts. Be sure the lid fits your jar.
Step 2: Gather potpourri and decorative items
Choose a mix of absorbent and decorative pieces. I used:
- Pinecones
- Evergreen sprigs
- Berries
- Ice crystal picks
- Wood slices
- Small decorative balls
Craft stores carry plenty of suitable items. Make sure to include absorbent pieces—wood slices, natural pinecones, felt, or wool—to hold the essential oils and slowly release scent.
Step 3: Add essential oil to absorbent pieces
Drop essential oil directly onto wood slices, pinecones, or felt pieces. For a large jar, 20–25 drops total is a good starting point; adjust up or down based on jar size and desired strength. Refresh with additional drops as the scent fades—the fragrance can last from a day to a week or more depending on the oil and environment.
Step 4: Layer items into the jar
Start with larger pieces at the bottom, then nestle smaller items in between. Arrange with the jar’s exterior in mind so the display looks attractive when viewed from the side.
Step 5: Add finishing touches
As you fill the jar, press your prettiest pieces against the glass so they are visible. When you’re satisfied, secure the lid and tie a ribbon around the jar neck for a festive finish.
Christmas essential oils and blend recipes
Single oils that smell like Christmas — add 20–25 drops
- Peppermint
- Spruce
- Sweet orange
- Cinnamon (use about 10 drops—it’s potent)
Blend recipes for a classic holiday aroma
- 15 drops sweet orange + 3 drops cinnamon + 6 drops spruce
- 8 drops spruce + 8 drops sweet orange + 2 drops clove + 2 drops cinnamon
- 8 drops frankincense + 8 drops myrrh + 8 drops sweet orange
- 15 drops peppermint + 7 drops ylang ylang
- 14 drops eucalyptus + 8 drops juniper berry + 2 drops sage
- 6 drops cinnamon + 8 drops sweet orange + 10 drops fir
- 12 drops sweet orange + 12 drops peppermint
- 12 drops sweet orange + 7 drops cinnamon + 5 drops clove
- 12 drops fir + 12 drops cedarwood
- 12 drops fir + 6 drops grapefruit + 6 drops frankincense
How to use your potpourri diffuser
- Place the jar in a small, enclosed space—bathroom, bedroom, or small kitchen—where the scent can linger.
- Refresh the diffuser by adding a few more drops to absorbent pieces as the aroma fades. Frequency depends on oil strength, jar size, and room size.
Where to find supplies
Wide-mouth mason jars, vented lids, wood slices, pinecones, and decorative picks are available at craft stores and online. Choose materials that complement your decor and include absorbent pieces for best scent diffusion.
Please join us
Follow community pages and sign up for newsletters to see more DIY ideas and diffuser recipes.
Important: Products mentioned here are not evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for medical concerns.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through those links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
