What's Hot and What's Not for the Holidays

Some Holiday Gifts Make Scents…and others Get Regifted

(ARA) - Think you're ready for that holiday party? Party dress on? Check. Fancy shoes? Check. Candy for the hostess? Ooops, better think again. According to the new Glade Holiday Home Survey conducted in honor of Glade's 50th Anniversary, that box of candy might make it to more parties than you do. That's because, according to the survey, nearly 40 percent of women would prefer to receive a candle as a hostess gift over cookies (24 percent), candy (16 percent) and holiday hand towels (12 percent).

The "Scents" of the Season

Scented holiday candles are the most popular holiday décor item, as well, according to the survey. Scented candles (32 percent) edged out twinkle lights (30 percent) and poinsettias (20 percent). Only 3 percent of women favor mistletoe to set the mood.

Glade fragrance experts explain that candles are popular because smell is the sense most closely linked to emotion. Scent sparks memories, so they help create ambience and enhance experiences. It's no surprise then that festive music (79 percent) and candles (66 percent) top the list of holiday mood enhancers.

Today's favorite holiday scents are sweet, fruit inspired fragrances, with pine trees and baked goods a close second, according to the survey. Glade fragrances like Apple Cinnamon, Glistening Snow and the new Cranberry Delight & Everlasting Pine 2 in 1 candle appeal to these preferences.

In addition to the holiday favorites noted in the survey, another scent trend that works for the holidays is beverage-inspired fragrances like Hazelnut Cappuccino & Espresso Bean and French Vanilla, according to Kelly Semrau, SC Johnson vice president of global public affairs and communication. These scents create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that gets people in the holiday spirit.

Winter Watch-Outs

So, if candles are hot for holiday décor, what's not? Almost half of the women surveyed don't like those giant inflatable reindeer, snowmen and Santas; and 40 percent aren't sweet on those larger than life candy canes, either.

Big decorations become a hassle when the holidays are over as well. More than half of the survey respondents said that putting decorations away is the holiday chore they dread most. But, thankfully, you've got a little time to take down the outdoor décor since only 27 percent of people say they don't like it when the neighbors leave their decorations up until Valentine's Day.

But, the worst holiday turn-off -- more than bad directions or bad food -- is a stinky home (42 percent). So freshen the air, light some scented candles and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season.

From its start 50 years ago, the Glade collection has grown to include 50 fragrances in an ever-evolving range of product forms from scented oils, to candles to carpet products to gels. New for the holidays are Scented Oil Candles Trio wrapped as a festive package perfect for a hostess gift (that won't be regifted!), and Glade candles in holiday fragrances with easy-to-remove labels that are great for decorating.

For more information about SC Johnson, please visit www.scjohnson.com. For more information about the Glade Family of products visit www.glade.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content