Feeling the holiday blues? According to Yankee Candle’s Holiday Spirit Index, 45 per cent of Canadians report less cheer this year—but there’s hope! Candles are a proven mood-booster, and senior fragrance evaluator Taylor Perlis explains how scent can uplift your spirit, spark joy and make gifting this season stress-free. —Noa Nichol
Why do you think Canadians are feeling less holiday spirit this year, and what role does fragrance play in lifting their mood?
According to Yankee Candle’s survey, 59% of Canadians say the holiday season makes them feel stressed. Canadians report financial stress (49%), family conflicts (36%), holiday crowds (40%), unrealistic expectations (33%), and colder, shorter days (33%) as top reasons for their dampened holiday spirit.
The survey highlights the connection between scent and memory. Can you explain the science behind how fragrances like Yankee Candles can evoke nostalgia and joy during the holidays?
Lighting your favourite candle can instantly lift your mood because its smell directly stimulates the limbic system, the part of the brain tied to emotion and memory. Smelling a fragrance can bring you back to a fond memory, igniting nostalgia and cheer.
Saskatchewan and Atlantic Canada scored the highest on the Holiday Spirit Index. What do you think contributes to these regional differences in holiday cheer?
Saskatchewan and Atlantic Canada scored highest on the Holiday Spirit Index due to their strong embrace of holiday traditions. Residents are more likely to decorate (Saskatchewan 87%, Atlantic Canada 80% vs. 73% national average) and bake (63% in both regions vs. 55% national average). Saskatchewan stands out further, with 86% agreeing the holiday season makes them feel kinder, compared to 68% nationally.
With nearly half of Canadians finding holiday shopping stressful, how can Yankee Candle help make gifting easier and more meaningful this season?
Nearly one third (30%) of Canadians say lighting a candle lifts their holiday spirit! Yankee Candle categorizes fragrances into six families—Citrus, Floral, Sweet & Spicy, Woody, and Fresh & Clean—to help find the perfect gift.
What are some of Yankee Candle’s most popular holiday scents, and how do they set the tone for seasonal celebrations?
- Balsam & Cedar: A fresh blend of pine balsam and cedarwood, evoking the warmth of cheerful holiday memories.
- Christmas Cookie: A mix of sweet vanilla, rich butter, and sugar, perfect for cozy movie nights.
- Sparkling Cinnamon: A lively blend of clove and cinnamon, creating an inviting atmosphere full of holiday cheer.
The survey shows that Gen Z has twice the holiday spirit of other generations. What trends do you see among younger Canadians when it comes to holiday traditions and candle use?
Gen Z leads in holiday spirit by enthusiastically embracing traditions like baking (64% vs. 55% average) and attending events (62% vs. 55% average). Candles are essential for them, with 60% saying they make spaces comfortable and 40% noting they boost happiness.
For someone looking to create a cozy and festive ambiance at home, what tips or fragrance combinations would you recommend?
Choose fragrances that transport you to your favorite holiday memories or establish a signature holiday scent. This Christmas morning, I’m layering Balsam & Cedar with Sparkling Cinnamon to fill the air with fresh pine and spicy holiday cheer.
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