3 Easy Aroma Rituals to Calm Holiday Chaos (In 2 minutes or Less)

The holidays can feel like magic… and they can also feel like a never-ending swirl of errands, expectations, family, travel, and to-do lists. Accepting that this is one of the busiest times of year, I always come back to the simple tools that help us reset, re-center, and return to ourselves as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence!

Aromatherapy is one of the fastest ways to signal safety and calm to the nervous system — and it works beautifully during busy seasons when you don’t have time for a full meditation or spa night. Which is why I put together three of my favorite “quick reset” aroma rituals for the holiday season.

They’re simple, affordable, and take about one to two minutes each. Use any essential oils you already own, or your favorite Topsy Blends essential oils!

🍃 3 Aroma Rituals to Calm Holiday Chaos

1. The “Festive Inhale” Reset

Think of this as rebooting your brain like an old computer.

Choose an oil based on how you want to feel in the moment:

• Peppermint — energizing, invigorating

• Sweet Orange — uplifting, mood-brightening

• Frankincense — grounding, stress release

• Candy Cane Lane (Topsy) — cheerful, festive, clarifying, energizing

• Mind Over Magic (Topsy) — balancing, restorative (great for brain-fog!)

How to do it:

1. Place 1 drop on a tissue or cotton pad.

2. Hold it a few inches from your nose.

3. Take one deep, slow inhale.

This is perfect when your brain feels scattered or you need a quick shift in mindset. You never know when stress will strike! Keep it in your pocket, put it on your desk, take it with your on the go. This is portable & affordable aromatherapy at its best.

2. The Warm Towel Melt-Down (The Good Kind)

This one feels like a tiny weighted blanket for your nervous system.

How to do it:

1. Run a washcloth under warm water.

2. Wring it out.

3. Add one drop of your selected oil.

4. Place on your chest or shoulders and breathe slowly.

Try it with:

• Lavender — calming, tension-melting

• Eucalyptus — clearing, cooling, soothing for chest and breath

• Snuggle Weather (Topsy) — cozy, comforting, warm + grounding

• Frosted Forest (Topsy) — crisp, refreshing, restorative, breath-opening

• Mellow Moon (Topsy) — relaxing, sleep-supportive, unwinding

This tiny ritual helps melt tension from the shoulders and signals “rest + digest” mode almost instantly.

3. The Steam Cup Reset

Give your brain a warm hug.

How to do it:

1. Fill a mug with hot water.

2. Add 1–2 drops of essential oil.

3. Hold your face over the steam (don’t drink!).

4. Breathe in deeply.

Try it with:

• Eucalyptus — opening, clearing, supports easier breathing

• Lemon — bright, cleansing, mood-lifting

• Lavender — calming, stress-relief, relaxing

• Frosted Forest (Topsy) — crisp, refreshing, restorative, breath-opening

• Respiratory Releaf! (Topsy) — cooling, decongesting, respiratory support

This is wonderful for mental fog, congestion, or sluggish winter afternoons.

When to Use These Rituals:

Use them anytime you feel:

• a little too caffeinated

• overwhelmed with to-dos

• low on holiday spirit

• sensory overload

• like you might Grinch-out at any moment 😉

Even 10 seconds of mindfulness + aroma is enough to change your emotional direction.

Why Aromatherapy Helps (The Simple Science)

Essential oils work directly with your limbic system — the part of the brain that influences stress, emotion, memory, and your nervous system response.

Within seconds of inhalation, your brain receives signals for:

• calm

• focus

• relaxation

• energy

• clarity

No supplements, no waiting for effects, no big time commitment.

This is why aromatherapy is one of my favorite tools for busy seasons.

Want to Add Aromatherapy Into Your Holiday Routine?

Here are some aromatherapy blends to add moments of joy and comfort throughout your day:

• Candy Cane Lane Essential Oil + Roll-On + AND room spray!

• Mellow Moon Magnesium Spray

• Mind Over Magic

• Snuggle Weather

• Frosted Forest

• Breathe Easy Aromatherapy Inhaler

Whether you’re hosting, traveling, or curled up with a movie + mug of cocoa, these little rituals are an easy way to stay grounded and enjoy more of the season.

Wishing you quality rest, rejuvenation, and cozy holidays,

Rachel, your personal aromatherapist