Have you ever noticed how some scents bring back memories of a certain place or time? There’s a reason for that and it’s to do with  something called “olfaction” (our sense of smell).  That ability to sense things through smell is a natural function connected to the part of the brain that triggers emotional memory.

“Before you even have a chance to figure out what the smell is, you have an immediate emotional response,” explains Rachel Herz, a cognitive neuroscientist at Brown University Medical School.

According to Herz, research has shown that the way we respond to smells is actually something that is learned.   How we first experience a smell somewhat dictates how we’ll learn to respond to it in the future.

For instance, think about an early childhood memory and what scents can trigger that memory. The Holiday season is one that is laden with all sorts of wonderful scents that have positive associations for many of us.  Often times Holiday scents remind us of our childhood as the Holiday season has always seemed to revolve around creating a sense of joy and excitement for children.

The smell of vanilla reminds me of a warm house, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on the television and overall anticipation about what’s to come in a few short days.

Here are some ways to complete your Holiday decorating by filling your home with Read more…