When the festive season starts, I love watching my kids soak up the magic, wide-eyed and brimming with excitement. Whether they’re sneaking an ornament off the tree or sitting cross-legged on the floor wrapping “presents” for each other, it’s all about building those little moments they’ll carry with them forever. And while they’re busy making memories, I like to create a bit of magic in the background; starting with a simmer pot on the stove.

It may seem small, but there’s something about the scent of cinnamon, rosemary, and oranges that makes it feel like Christmas without doing much at all! It’s simple, nostalgic, and fills your home with everything you love about Christmas. Let me show you how.

😍 Why You’ll Love This Simple Festive Simmer Pot

This simmer pot is the easiest way to fill your home with the cozy, nostalgic scents of Christmas. It’s a little tradition that brings so much joy to the season, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll love that it’s also a great way to use up odds and ends, like overripe oranges or leftover cloves from holiday baking.

Kids especially love being part of the process, from helping pick out the ingredients to tossing everything into the pot. It’s a simple way to make them feel like they’re part of the holiday magic, and watching their excitement over the scent wafting through the house is such a sweet bonus.

Once it’s simmering away, it works all day long, and you can keep it going by topping it up with water or a few fresh ingredients.

🗒️ Ingredients

Orange slices: Bright and citrusy, they add a cheerful, zesty note that balances the warmth.

Fresh rosemary: Herbaceous and earthy, it brings a fresh, woodsy aroma reminiscent of a Christmas tree.

Fresh cranberries: Slightly tart and subtly sweet, they add a hint of fruitiness to the mix.

Whole cloves: They’re warm and spicy, creating the ultimate cozy holiday fragrance.

Cinnamon sticks: Sweet and comforting, they fill the air with that unmistakable Christmassy warmth.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Your Own Simmer Pot

🍊Slice the orange, gather the rosemary sprigs, and measure out the cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.

💧Add all of the ingredients to a large pot or Dutch oven. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients completely.

🔥Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let it simmer for 3-5 hours, adding more water as needed to keep the ingredients covered.

⏱️ If you want to keep the scent going, simply top up with water and let it simmer again for a few more hours.

🥳 Enjoy!

🌟 Variations & Substitutions

• Swap the orange for a lemon or add a mix of orange, lemon, and grapefruit slices for a bright, citrusy twist on this simmer pot. Add a few extra cinnamon sticks for even more warmth!
• If you don’t have fresh rosemary, use a few sprigs from your Christmas tree for a true forest-like aroma. Add in a couple of pine cones for extra texture and fragrance.
• For a sweet, cozy scent, add a few drops of vanilla extract or a handful of star anise to the mix. The vanilla softens the spices and gives a smooth, creamy note.
• Use dried cranberries instead of fresh for a stronger, more concentrated berry scent. Add in a few cloves and a dash of nutmeg for extra holiday spice.
• Swap out the cranberries for a couple of sliced apples for a sweeter, fruit-forward scent. Pair with extra cinnamon sticks for a more familiar, cozy fragrance.

🧠 Common Questions