On a Wreath at Christmas, a Passage — by Alex Ranieri

I never considered the medicinal effects of scents before; however, we purchased a wreath for Christmas, and the relaxing nature of the spruce aroma has surprised me. We have the wreath near the front door; and as one walks past, the first scent hits, a warm, grassy haze—but as one breathes in, this scent sharpens into a second, which is sweet-bitter, very reminiscent of the taste of grapefruit. The effect on the mind and the facial muscles, is one of total clarity and relaxation. Why is this? I am sure there are hundreds of proper scientific studies on the matter—but groping around in my lay-brain, it occurs to me one aspect could be pure distraction. Scent, though so much weaker with us than with other animals, is nevertheless very powerful—we are, surely, hardwired to pay close attention to intense aromas, some of which alert us to danger, while others denote safety, wellness, and cleanliness. Thus the presence of intense aroma overwhelms, at least for an instant, all other thoughts, allowing us a moment or two, at least in the case of spruce, of delicious repose.