According to a Kansas State University expert on sensory analysis, popular holiday scents can affect your emotional well-being. It's the same thing as seeing pictures of people that you love, or don't like, and how they can affect your emotions at the time. Holidays are a good thing, and so we associate good fragrances with good things that make us feel emotionally better.
Chambers says research shows how odors can affect our attitudes.
For example, peppermint is considered to be a little bit of a stimulating odor. Herbs and spices have also been proven to make you feel more soothed and relaxed. Chambers says fragrances and deodorizers are more popular in the winter months. Things like holiday spice fragrances, candles or potpourri. However, you need to be careful of the aroma because it is something that everyone smells, and it can cause problems for people that have allergies, he said.