I admit, I’m not much of a baker. I never have been. Each year I’d do the required Christmas cookies, cheese twists and maybe a pumpkin pie. This year in the midst of empty nest syndrome, my family scattered to the four corners of the U.S., not to mention my completely inadequate airplane-bathroom-sized kitchen, I just won’t do any baking at all.

One of the things I love most about the holidays is the smell. The house fills with the aromas of cinnamon and apples, and all those yummy holiday spices. Because of my lack of culinary baking skills (or more truthfully—desire) I’ve found over the years that one of the best ways to achieve holiday baked goods scents are with candles.

They come in all kinds of scents now, everything from apple pie to snow! Smell is one of the strongest memory triggers so filling my home with holiday aromas transports me back to my mom’s house and those chilly winter nights spent consuming hot cocoa and sugar cookies.

So since I won’t be baking this year, I’ll strategically place scented Votive candles in their cute little Votive candle holders all around my house. They’re a perfect way to remind me of home despite being so far away. In my warm weather climate, it’s difficult for me to get into the Christmas spirit so a room full of lushly scented candles will be just what I need.

Plus, as an added bonus, everyone will think I’ve been slaving away in my kitchen—at least until they ask for a slice of pie and there’s none to be found.

Pssst, by the way, candles make wonderful gifts (hint, hint!)