There’s nothing quite like wintertime, in my opinion. The magic of cold, rainy days, with a warm fire burning inside and a cup of hot tea in my hand — it’s the nostalgic romantic in me that loves the cozy feeling it brings. I imagine being stuck inside all day with those I love most, enjoying each other’s company and sharing laughter and stories. It’s an excuse (although one isn’t needed) to put aside the busyness of life for a moment and slow down.

This season also welcomes the holidays, my favorite celebrations of the year. To help you foster that holiday spirit, here are three festive recipes that are simple, reminiscent of the season, and quick to put together. You could even make them in bulk and give them as gifts!

Pine Bath Salts for Natural Stress Relief

by Susan Vinskofski from The Handmade Gift Issue Volume 1

You Will Need

• • 1 cup Epsom salt/sea salt, coarse
• • 1 cup dried pine needles, finely chopped
• • 15–30 drops pine essential oil
• • Airtight jar
• • Cloth bag/Coffee filter

To Make

Combine the Epsom salt, pine needles, and essential oil. Store in an airtight jar. Pour ¼–½ cup of the bath salts in a cloth bag or tie in a coffee filter. To use, place the bag into your bathtub as you are running a bath.

Orange Spice Whipped Body Butter

from The Handmade Gift Issue Volume 1

You Will Need

• • Double boiler
• • ½ cup shea butter
• • ¼ cup coconut oil
• • ¼ cup sweet almond oil
• • Handheld mixer
• • 10–20 drops essential oil of choice (optional)
• • Jar

To Make

In a double boiler, add the shea butter, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil, and slowly melt over medium-low heat. Once the mixture is liquid, remove it from the heat. Let the mixture partially set up; once it is partially set, opaque, and holds indentation, it is ready for the next step. Whip the mixture with a handheld mixer until fluffy and stiff peaks form. Add the essential oils if desired, and whip to combine. Scoop the whipped body butter in a jar, and package as desired.

gingerbread Sugar Scrub

from The Handmade Gift Issue Volume 1

You Will Need

• • ½ cup dark brown sugar
• • ¼ cup light brown sugar
• • ½ cup coconut oil
• • ½ tsp. vanilla extract
• • ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• • ¼ tsp. ground ginger
• • ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
• • ¼ tsp. ground cloves
• • Airtight jar

To Make

Mix together the brown sugars and coconut oil. Add the vanilla extract, and stir to combine. Add the spices, and stir to combine. Store in an airtight jar, in a dark, cool place.

Find more cozy-inducing recipes for this holiday season in Willow and Sage Winter 2025.

Danielle Williams is the managing editor for Willow and Sage, The Natural Home Issue, Mingle, and Art Quilting Studio. She lives with her growing family in Orange County, California.