Christmas smells of what we want it to smell of. Rather than the burnt potatoes and digested sprouts, rather than the charred tinsel and festive drains, we can choose pine needles and wood smoke. We can choose to sit on the sofa and light a candle (Joyeux Noel by Frédéric Malle £60, lessenteurs.com) and imagine ourselves in the Christmas of a German fairy tale, with all the clean snow and joy that implies. Yes, they can be crushingly expensive, but… OK, there is no but. They're just decadent and mad and make you feel like your little flat is heaven for an hour.
Alternatively
Byredo Bibliothèque £60, liberty.co.uk
Quintessence Paris Black Magic £47, mygoodness.com
Laura Mercier Roasted Chestnut £29, selfridges.com
Cire Trudon Melchior £65, net-a-porter.com
Aveda Give Warmth £20, 0870 034 2380
