The Simmer Pot I Make – My Family Tradition Each Christmas

Have you ever noticed how a single scent can take you back to a memory so clearly that it almost feels like you’re standing in two places at once? Every December, that happens to me when I make my family’s Christmas simmer pot.

It’s a simple tradition, yet it carries layers of memories I didn’t fully understand until I grew older. When the house fills with the warm scents of oranges, cinnamon, and cloves, it reminds me of all the holidays I spent in the kitchen watching my mother prepare for the season.

Now, in my own home, I continue this tradition in almost the exact same way. It anchors me during the busiest time of the year, especially when the days feel rushed with decorating, gift planning, and caring for my little one.

Gathering the Ingredients (Just Like My Mother Did)

I always start by clearing a little space on the counter so I can lay everything out. The ingredients are simple, but I enjoy choosing them one by one because each one brings its own meaning and scent.

My family has kept the recipe the same for decades, so I rarely change the ingredients unless I’m adding something from my garden.

Here’s what I prepare:

• 1 orange, sliced into rounds
• 1 apple, cut into thin slices
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 3 whole star anise
• 3-4 thin ginger slices
• A small handful of cranberries for color
• A few fresh sprigs of rosemary or pine
• 1-2 cups of water

Wow, the bright orange slices remind me of the oranges my mother placed in our stockings, and the cinnamon sticks carry the same scent she used while baking her holiday desserts.

Also, the cloves feel like a holiday symbol in my family because my grandmother always believed they brought warmth and protection during winter.

Preparing the Simmer Pot

I place a small saucepan on the stove and gently layer the ingredients inside. Then I arrange the orange slices so they float near the top, and I tuck the apple slices underneath them.

The cinnamon sticks rest along the edge, and the star anise sits right in the center because I like how they look once the pot begins to warm.

After adding the water, I turn the heat to the lowest setting. It takes only a few minutes before the scent begins to rise, and the first note that fills the kitchen is always cinnamon.

Once the oranges begin to soften, the citrus scent spreads through the room in a long, steady wave, and the ginger gives a quiet sharpness that makes everything smell clean and lively.

Some days I let the pot simmer for an hour. On days when I need the house to smell festive for longer, I refill the water whenever it gets low and let it go all afternoon.

How This Tradition Became Mine

When I was a child, I didn’t think much about the meaning behind this simmer pot. I only knew that whenever my mother made it, it meant Christmas was close. She often started it while the rest of us were still waking up, so I would come into the kitchen and smell oranges and spices before I even saw the pot on the stove.

As I grew older, I realized how much love and care sat behind these small traditions. They were my mother’s way of setting the tone for the season, even when she had a long list of things to do.

When I became a mother myself, the memory of that scent became a kind of comfort during the early days of taking care of my baby. I needed something familiar and grounding, and the simmer pot brought that feeling back.

Now, I make it every year without even thinking twice. As soon as December arrives, it becomes part of our home routine.

This Simmer Pot Connects My Family

This simmer pot does more than make the house smell good. It gives me a sense of connection during a season that can feel overwhelming.

When I refill the water or stir the ingredients with a wooden spoon, I take a small breath and enjoy the pause. It’s a tradition that slows the pace of the season, and I’ve come to appreciate anything that feels calming and steady.

I also like knowing that the scent is natural. With a toddler, I avoid chemical sprays or candles with strong artificial fragrances. A simmer pot feels gentle and safe, and the aroma spreads through the house in a way that feels more comforting than anything store-bought.

Most of all, I love that this is something I can pass down to my child. One day, my little one may start this exact same pot in their own home and remember the holidays we spent together.