A shower steamer can offer
relaxation during stressful holidays. Photos: Scentral Zone
Christina Haller shares how fragrance can help create a warm, memorable holiday atmosphere.
For Christina Haller, co-founder and CEO of Scentral Zone, fragrance has always been more than something pleasant to smell. It’s a way to create memories, elevate everyday moments and help people feel more
connected to their surroundings.
That philosophy has shaped the Edina-based company’s approach to aromatherapy, blending wellness with thoughtfully crafted scent experiences that fit naturally into daily life. “Our original product, our wearable essential oil diffusers, was created to make aromatherapy mess-free, simple and accessible while on-the-go,” Haller says. “By infusing aromatherapy into everything we create, our products are designed to do more than just smell great. They support everyday moments of calm, positivity and well-being.”
The company’s journey into clean personal care began while developing products for Haller’s daughter, who has sensitive skin. For Haller, scent has always been deeply personal. “I have always been drawn to strong scents, from lilac bushes to Christmas candles and the smell of food cooking,” she says. “I love how certain smells can transport you to a memory, evoke a feeling or change the energy of a room.”
That connection becomes especially meaningful during the holidays. Familiar aromas, such as cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine and vanilla, are woven into traditions of baking, decorating and family gatherings. Because those experiences repeat year after year, Haller says the scents become powerful reminders of cherished moments.
“So it’s not just that these scents ‘smell like the holidays.’ They’ve actually become part of the nostalgia we associate with the season,” Haller says.
Sandalwood, Floral & Spice Room Spray creates a woodland feel for festive gatherings.
Creating that atmosphere doesn’t require elaborate decorating. She encourages homeowners to think of scent as another design element alongside décor, lighting, and music.
For festive gatherings, Haller recommends balsam, cedarwood and sandalwood for a woodland feel. If aiming for a warm spice aroma, cinnamon or tonka bean are ideal. Tonka beans are from South America and give off a scent that is a mix of almond, cinnamon, cut hay and vanilla. During holiday meals, lighter combinations, such as citrus and clove, complement food without overwhelming the senses.
Different decorating styles can also be enhanced through fragrance. Traditional holiday homes pair beautifully with cinnamon leaf, cypress, Douglas fir and vanilla, while modern spaces benefit from bergamot, black spruce, frankincense and juniper berry. Minimalist homes often feel best with lighter botanicals, such as clary sage, eucalyptus, lavender or rosemary. For a naturally scented home, diffuse balsam fir, clove and cinnamon bark essential oils, or simmer orange peels and cinnamon sticks on the stove.
As more homeowners embrace fragrance as part of their home’s personality, Haller believes scent has become a defining element of the holiday experience.
“We’re seeing fragrance evolve from something people simply add to their homes into something they intentionally use to shape how their homes feel,” she says. “It has evolved beyond ‘just scenting a room.’ It’s become a way to give your home an identity.”
Soothe the Senses
The holidays can also bring packed schedules, long to-do lists and heightened stress. Tamara Borchardt, product formulator at Scentral Zone, says aromatherapy offers simple ways to build moments of relaxation into busy days.
Borchardt suggests adding lavender essential oil to unscented lotion, using a pillow mist before bed or enjoying shower steamers infused with eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint or rosemary.
Essential oils are not always safe for pets, including cats and dogs. Before using any essential oil around your pet, consult your veterinarian to ensure it is safe and appropriate to use.
Scentral Zone
Instagram: @scentralzone
