Herbs for the Holidays: Bringing Flavor, Tradition, and Warmth into Your Celebrations

As both an herbalist and  passionate cook, the holidays are when my two loves—herbs and food—come together in the most beautiful way. There’s something truly magical about how herbs transform not only the flavors of our meals but also the atmosphere of our homes. Whether it’s the scent of rosemary roasting alongside a turkey or a cinnamon-spiced wreath greeting guests at the door, herbs have always been at the heart of my holiday traditions.

My own Thanksgiving is as traditional as you’d expect to see in Southern Living Magazine—and it’s just like the dinner that  my mother, who hailed from Champaign Urbana used to prepare.  Sage, rosemary, savory, marjoram , onion and thyme are the staples of my holiday table, their deep, comforting aromas always reminding me of home. But what I love most about our family Thanksgiving is the celebration of diverse backgrounds. My daughter-in-law’s family, for instance, often brings their Italian and Mexican heritage into the feast, offering a vibrant and delicious twist on our traditional meal.

Thanksgiving Herbs and Traditions

Thanksgiving for me is all about those rich, classic flavors that evoke warmth and comfort around the table. The herbs I use are key to crafting dishes that call up memories of family gatherings and holiday feasts.

One of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions is preparing an Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey.  I always begin by brining the turkey overnight to keep it moist. What I’ve found over the years is that rubbing a mixture of softened butter, rosemary, garlic , thyme, savory, lovage, marjoram, orange peel , sage, dill and a touch of cardamom and cinnamon under the skin before roasting is one of the simplest ways to create juiciness and flavor. The herbs and spices infuse the meat, and the scent that fills the kitchen is the epitome of comfort. To make this seasoning, I use dried herbs and spices that I grind by hand in my mortar and pestle. It always transports me back to my childhood, standing in my mother’s kitchen, surrounded by the warmth of her holiday. For fun you can take this same seasoning and sprinkle it on potato chips to serve with a caramelized onion dip or pumpkin hummus.

No Thanksgiving would be complete without my mother’s Sage, Onion, Apple, Chestnut, and Rosemary Stuffing. The earthy flavors of fresh herbs and chestnuts make every bite feel like a cozy hug—it’s like tasting autumn on a plate. Don’t forget my secret ingredient shared with me by a dear friend, a couple of cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. It keeps the stuffing moist without adding any cheese flavor at all!

But while I treasure my traditional dishes, I’ve also embraced the beautiful flavors that my daughter-in-law’s family brings to the table. Their Italian and Mexican-Inspired Dishes add a delightful twist to our holiday meal. They might season the turkey with basil, oregano, and garlic for an Italian flair, or they’ll prepare a Mexican-Inspired Stuffing using cilantro, cumin, and chili peppers. These additions bring a new layer of flavor, making the table reflect both tradition and diversity. It’s a celebration not only of the food but of the stories and histories we all bring to the feast.

A Touch of Bayberry and Christmas Cheer

From Thanksgiving until Christmas, I carry on the tradition of gifting real Bayberry-Scented Candles to those close to me. It’s a small yet meaningful gesture, rooted in the old belief that burning a bayberry candle on Christmas or New Year’s Eve brings good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. The warm, earthy scent has a way of filling homes with both comfort and tradition. Whether lighting them at my holiday table or wrapping them as presents, it’s my way of sharing a bit of holiday magic with loved ones.

This photo is part of one of the best articles I’ve ever read about creating Bayberry candles. Read it here: How to make Bayberry Candles

Christmas Herbs and Festive Cheer

When Christmas arrives, I love bringing herbs into every corner of the season—whether in meals or decorations. There’s something undeniably magical about the warmth and fragrance that herbs can bring, whether it’s the scent of rosemary in a holiday dish or the pine and cinnamon of a wreath hung by the door.

One of my favorite holiday crafts is making Orange Pomanders with Cloves, a tradition I’ll be sharing with my grandson this year. I make the pomanders and then nestle them in a bowl of pine, rosemary, and other fragrant herbs. The combination of citrus and herbs fills the home with a nostalgic, festive fragrance, reminding me of holidays spent with family. Hanging them with ribbon or placing them in bowls creates an aromatic decoration that brings the spirit of the season to life.

For something a little more elaborate, I love to make an Herb-Infused Holiday Simmer Pot. I start with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme, and a handful of pine or fir needles, then add slices of orange, lemon, and a quartered apple. A couple of cinnamon sticks, a tablespoon of whole cloves, and a few star anise pods bring extra depth. After filling the pot with water and adding a few drops of essential oils—pine for freshness, cinnamon for warmth, orange for brightness, and vanilla for sweetness—I let it simmer gently on the stove. The scent fills the entire house, creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere for guests. It’s a natural and simple way to keep the holiday spirit alive throughout the season.

And because I love filling my home with natural scents, I always have a bottle of my Solstice Room Spray on hand. This DIY spray, made with pine, orange, rose, ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla essential oils, instantly makes my home feel warm, cozy, and inviting—like capturing the essence of  the season in a bottle.

The Magic of Herbs in Holiday Gatherings

Herbs have a way of slowing us down, helping us savor the season, and bringing us closer to those around us. As an herbalist, I’ve always appreciated their healing properties, but during the holidays, it’s the comfort and connection they bring that I treasure most.

When I cook or decorate with fresh herbs, I can’t help but think of the generations before me—especially my mother, who prepared all our family’s holiday feasts with love and care. These herbs are a bridge to my roots, grounding me in family history while creating space for new traditions.

The holidays are about more than food or decorations—they’re about connection. Herbs, with their deep roots in both food and folklore, offer a way to bring those connections to life. Whether it’s through a special dish, a handcrafted wreath, or a shared family tradition, the herbs we love have the power to make the holidays feel more meaningful, heartfelt, and magical.

As we head into the holiday season, I encourage you to invite herbs into your celebrations in a way that feels natural and joyful. Whether you’re honoring traditional flavors like I do with my mother’s Thanksgiving recipes or incorporating your own cultural heritage, our beloved herbs have a way of transforming the ordinary into something truly special. My mother used to say, “Make everyday a day for candles and wine!” I always agree especially during the colder seasons when that wine can be mulled!

From my stillroom to yours, I wish you a holiday season filled with warmth, tradition, and the simple joy of all of your favorite herbs.

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Dear Friends,

As the holiday season draws near, I’m excited to share a special treat with you! For my cherished paid subscribers, you’ll find the link to my e-book “Returning Home for the Holidays” waiting just below the paywall. It’s filled with cozy reflections, heartwarming traditions, and a little holiday magic to make this season even more special.

If you’re not yet a subscriber, I invite you to join us! You can start with a free trial and discover the inspiration waiting for you.

Wishing you warmth and joy as we move into this beautiful season. 🌟🍁