Creating memory through scent - Festive rituals with Kitty Callaghan

WORDS & photography Kitty Callaghan PUBLISHED Wed, 2 Dec 2020 - 9:00 am

In partnership with Glasshouse Fragrances

2020 has been a year of growth, change and unexpected learning for many. It has taught me that the simple pleasures are what count.

That I don’t have to stumble very far to see beauty in the everyday and understand just how much there is to be thankful for. It has been a few months now of pondering why it took me so long to realise that living close to the ocean is a massive gift that should not be taken for granted. It sounds cliché, and I love that this year has forced me to move into that realm. Now I am investing in a new beach towel and wearing a hat because I actually sit in the sun rather than hide from it.

It comes as no surprise that Christmas will look different for everyone this year, the world over. Many people won’t be able to travel to see loved ones, and there has been heartache and pain. I feel incredibly lucky that I will be able to be with my family and friends during this time.

Indulging in rituals is important for me to find a sense of normalcy - and they are especially important at this time of year. Being with friends and family is so important, and truly understanding the privilege in the ability to be close physically - and emotionally too. Moving out of the city into nature. Going for a swim at the local pool in the rural town I grew up in, hot chips with chicken salt on the menu. At Christmas time I like to wear a red lip for the festive cheer, maybe even a red dress (last year my friend Chloe and I were on the same page there).

"At Christmas time I like to wear a red lip
for the festive cheer, maybe even a red dress
(last year my friend Chloe and I were on the
same page there)."

I will go through the family records and discover new ones that will become the soundtrack for this precious time, no doubt we will quarrel over who is playing the music, it wouldn’t feel right if there wasn’t a struggle for who holds the coveted role of DJ in the living room.

I will put a silly little hat on my parents’ dog and speak to him as if he understands every word I say. I love Christmas time as it’s an excuse to bake gingerbread. I like to bake biscuits and wrap them up and give them to everyone, whether or not ginger is their thing. If it’s the latter, don’t worry – I will eat it for you.

Glasshouse Fragrances Night Before Christmas candle

"I will go through the family records and discover new ones that will become the soundtrack for this precious time with family ..."

I am big on scent and just like music, to me every chapter in life is a chance to tie memory with sound and smell. This year I will burn a candle brightly, the Glasshouse Fragrances scent of sugar plums is my choice this time around. Unsure if we will have a real and traditional Christmas tree this year, it seems silly to cut down a tree when we have lost so many in bushfire season.

Either way, we will decorate the house with ornaments that have been in hiding under the house, and I will scent each room with a summery smell to remind me of this time so I can hold it close in years to come.

Glasshouse Fragrances Christmas Scent Scene Duo

I aim to shop smaller and more mindfully on presents this year, and the gifts I buy I will be from local makers, gifts that are made sustainably and with good intention. Last year that meant a small ceramic sculpture from Bella Thomas and Jamie Laverty who create under the moniker With Form, and this year, I have ordered a ceramic planter pot from local artist and ceramicist Sean Wadey. I have endless magazines and books in my house as I make collages, so this means wrapping paper can be beautiful images from old books that might even be reused, rather than buying wrapping paper.

"I have endless magazines and books in my house as I make collages, so this means wrapping paper can be beautiful images from old books that might even be reused, rather than buying wrapping paper."