Stow Christmas spices away for that special time of year in glass spice jars
The holidays wouldn't be the same without the aromas that depict this special time of year. I don't walk into a candle or lotion store at Christmastime to merely peruse the shelves; I walk in with the intent to be swept up in a winter wonderland of aromas “ cinnamon, peppermint, ginger, sage and so many more. Each smell contributes to the magic of the season.
Forget the freezing weather and constant sniffles that winter brings, long enough to count down five of the most popular Christmas spices (according to Top 10 Christmas Herbs and Spices) to throw in your glass spice jars this year.
Rue
Rue is classified as an evergreen herb (that's awfully close to Everdeen, could Katniss and Rue be secretly related? Word to The Hunger Games readers!). This spice is often used in religious ceremonies. And if you're superstitious, rue can help you out. Pack a bunch of dried rue in glass spice jars and scatter them throughout your home to keep evil at bay.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is the embodiment of winter; it's in every detail of the snowy season. Whether you're caroling about it in the frigid streets, sprinkling it on a sheet of cookies below a rack full of glass spice jars or simply sipping from a glass of cinnamon apple cider while gazing at a cinnamon centerpiece, it's everywhere you look. Be sure to keep your spice jars full of cinnamon this season.
Frankincense
Frankincense comes from the Boswellia tree and is often used in religious practices, specifically in baptismal oil. At a distant first glance I mistook glass spice jars full of frankincense as popcorn, don't let that happen to you, it's not a fun experience. I don't recall seeing frankincense in glass spice jars on my grandma's counter in memories of Christmases past, but I guess there's a first time for everything. This spice does have a claim to fame that is hard to beat. The story of Jesus' birth mentions that frankincense was offered as a gift to Him.
Ginger
What would Christmas be without ginger? It's in glass spice jars on the counter, ready to be used for sweet treats or other recipes. Without ginger we'd be unable to lead Candyland lives vicariously through gingerbread men and women. When the stress of the holiday season really gets to you, just pour a round of glass spice jars full of ginger into some ale and let the refreshment do the rest.
Sage
I don't know a lot about sage, and never would have connected the herb to Christmas celebrations. I do know that sage is the herb of immortality, or everlasting life. It is said that Mary and baby Jesus were saved when they took refuge from King Herod behind a bush of sage. If a Scrooge-like character is threatening to ruin your Christmas break out some glass spice jars full of sage; that should take care of them. Long live the Christmas season!
As the big holiday approaches and your to-do list grows smaller and smaller, keep the reason for the season in mind. And always remember the multifunctional uses of glass spice jars. Whether to decorate and appeal to the eyes or force the taste buds to salivate, it's always smart to keep glass spice jars on hand!
Share your favorite Christmas spice in the comments!