The ultimate scent for the start of the holidays...

Many of us are already busy with Christmas, but just as many do not want to skip Sinterklaas . So before I start musing about the best Christmas scents, I first wanted to investigate which scents we associate with the Sinterklaas festival. Because scent is at least as important for your memory as decorations and presents .

Why is scent so important?

Your sense of smell is directly connected to the parts of your brain where your emotions and memories are formed. The emotions you feel the moment you smell something for the first time are therefore forever inextricably linked to that smell.

What is the ultimate Sinterklaas scent?

The ultimate scent of Sinterklaas immediately evokes warm memories of the cozy days in November and December. It is a mix of spices, candy, and warmth that together form the typical Sinterklaas atmosphere. But what exactly are the scents that characterize this festive period? Read on quickly...

1 - Speculaas spices: the essence of Sinterklaas

The scent of speculaas spices should of course not be missing. This spice mix usually consists of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cardamom and white pepper. It gives that recognizable, warm scent to speculaas, kruidnoten and taaitaai. These speculaas spices symbolize the beginning of the festive season for many and are the basis for all kinds of delicacies that you bring into your home in the weeks before December 5th.

2 - Freshly baked gingerbread and spice nuts

If there is one thing that smells typical of Sinterklaas, it is freshly baked gingerbread and spice nuts. That smell of warm spices, together with the sweet smell of baked dough, makes the house immediately filled with the Sinterklaas atmosphere. Whether you bake them yourself or get them from the store, this smell is unforgettable and gets young and old in the mood.

Also read 👉 Must-haves for a super cozy Sinterklaas evening

3 - Mandarins and oranges

The scent of fresh mandarins and oranges brings back memories of the past for many people. These fruits are not only tasty and healthy, but also fit perfectly with the time of year. The fresh citrus scent forms a beautiful contrast with the warm speculaas spices and subtly complements the sweet scents in the house. In addition, mandarins are often handed out by Sinterklaas and his helpers, which gives this scent extra meaning.

4 - Hot chocolate with whipped cream

Sinterklaas evening is not complete without a large mug of hot chocolate, with or without a generous dollop of whipped cream. The smell of warm milk and melted chocolate reminds you of cozy evenings on the couch, waiting to open your presents. This scent brings a certain sense of security, ideal for cold winter evenings.

5 - Cinnamon and anise

Cinnamon and anise are separate scents that you often encounter in the kitchen around Sinterklaas time. These spices give extra flavor and scent to baked goods such as taaitaai and filled speculaas. The combination of cinnamon and anise creates a nostalgic, wintery scent that immediately evokes coziness. In addition, anise cubes in warm milk are also a typical Dutch drink that fits perfectly with the month of December.

Also read 👉 Sinterklaas, the tooth crackers and a pink elephant

6 - Smells of the fireplace or candles

Although not specifically an edible scent, the scent of a fireplace or candles contributes to the warmth of Sinterklaas. It is that typical scent of a crackling fire or smoldering candles that reminds you of dark, cozy evenings with family. This scent adds an extra dimension to the festive atmosphere in the house and completes the picture.

Natural speculaas scented candle made from rapeseed wax via Bol

How do you create that ultimate Sinterklaas scent in your home?

Want to bring the atmosphere of Sinterklaas to life? Consider making your own speculaas spices or peeling and drying mandarins for an extra fresh scent. You can also work with scented candles in the right aromas, such as cinnamon, chocolate or speculaas, to enhance the scent distribution. Or even more fun: bake your own gingerbread, spice nuts or speculaas cookies. Nothing works better than the smell of freshly baked goods!

💛 Tell us, what is the ultimate Sinterklaas scent for you? Make it cozy in your home, experiment with scents and share your favorite scent combination with us!