As we wind down the year and prepare for the start of the holiday season, I can’t help but feel like it’s too soon to start surrounding myself with cinnamon sticks and egg nog scented candles. Maybe it is the endless media onslaught of the presidential election, the constant controversy it creates in every household, the facebook friendships lost to bipartisanship or just the general frenzy of this particular month, but somewhere along the way I checked out. Instead I have been daydreaming of my time in Provence where I spent a sunkissed summer upon graduation of college. I can’t think of a better way to ease myself through this stressful seasonal transition than with the therapeutic scent of lavender.
I love lavender. It’s beautiful. It’s natural. And it’s known for anti-stress and relaxation properties. Maybe this year I will finally get myself into the tranquil state I have always wanted to embody. I wonder if my family will even recognize me.
It has been over a decade now since that luminous summer I lived in Aix-en-Provence. (As I am writing this it just dawned on me that was a LONG time ago. Get me some lavender, stat.) Every morning I would stroll through the open market in the town square to fill my basket with the fresh delicacies unique to the province. Fresh croissants, crisp baguettes, soft cheeses, olives, charcutrie, and all things lavender. Lavender sachets, lavender oil, lavender soaps, lavender perfume, big bushels of deep purple lavender tied with straw. Combined with the striking beauty of the region and the intoxicating wine, I had achieved a perpetual state of relaxation. And every time I smell lavender I am transported back to that state.
So in rebellion against the stress of this season, I am making my own holiday gifts to spread the tranquility of this natural fragrance. I will give the gift of a peaceful state of mind which I think most people would agree is priceless. Especially in the midst of this maniacal election season. Beneficial to the health of both the gift giver and the receiver, the environment and the wallet, it is the perfect choice for the sustainable sophisticate. And it allows for creativity. Whether it be lavender sachets to infuse the scent into delicate garments, jars filled with lavender to decorate the house, sprigs of lavender tied to adorn wrapped gifts, or using lavender scented products around the home, this will be a delightful holiday season all around.
Check out more at my Loveley Lavender board on Pintrest! http://pinterest.com/vanessavick/lovely-lavender/
