Studies have shown that the human ability to smell is more closely connected to memory than any of our other four senses. That means that even the slightest whiff of any particular scent can instantly transport your mind back to a specific time and place.

Now you can travel the world and smell the most glorious scents this wonderful planet has to offer, but if you happen to catch a trace of cassava in the air, your mind will immediately evoke fond memories of Bermuda Christmases when you were young. A Bermuda Christmas is a decidedly smelly thing.

I mean, who can escape the smell of the family Christmas tree; a scent that creeps into every corner of the house and dares you to deny your intrinsic Christmas spirit?

And who can forget that magnificent Christmas pudding aroma; a scent that has put a giant grin on this writer’s face absolutely every time he detects it, for as long as he can remember. I can certainly relate to the idea that smell stimulates memory faster than the other senses, because all of the fragrances detailed above immediately flood my mind with warm memories of Christmases past.

Well, Christmas is here again, and the island will soon be suffused with all the smells we’ve grown to know and love.

Tradition is a staple of a Bermuda Christmas, but new things are always welcome in our melting-pot culture as well, and Crystal Simons is determined to incite a few aromatic moments that will last a lifetime this year. She is the owner of Harmony of Gifts; a home-based business that specialises in gifts to entice the senses and soothe the soul.

I visited Crystal at her home recently for a cup of tea and a chat. She didn’t have any tea that I liked, so I settled for a ginger beer and a very informative, and entertaining, discussion. When asked about the development of Harmony of Gifts Incorporated, Crystal glowingly declared: “I’ve been developing this business for the better part of two years. I purchased the business from Ellen Lopes back in 2005, and I’ve steadily added locations to my network of stores over time.

“At the moment, I am proud to say that Harmony of Gifts products can be found at select locations across the island.”

I then asked about the future, and she was stoic and philosophical in her response: “Ultimately, like any entrepreneur worth their weight in salt, I would like to own a store, and enhance the lives of my customers in wonderful and profound ways.”

For Christmas, Harmony of Gifts offers fabulous gifts sets of scented reeds by WoodWick.

These are very unique products: they are slim stalks of wood that are immersed in scented oils and left to fill the room with one of eight delicious flavours, from cinnamon chai to rum raisin.

Also new are the sensational WoodWick long-burning candles, which enrich any environment for up to 180 full hours.

These candles also provide an old-fashioned fireplace crackle for those more romantic occasions. Also new is her line of plush toys.

She has luxurious teddy bears for the classic Christmas surprise; funky hug-a-bugs for the cute folks in your life, and a zoo full of loveable cuddlies for all of your special some ones. And of course there’s still the Old Virginia Candle Company products that Crystal says have been selling quite well over the last few months. Crystal was adamant that her customers not forget that.

“We still have the very popular triple fragrance candles, the marvelous wax melts, the soothing musical scents (which include an aromatherapy candle and a Jazz CD, and come in nine relaxing scents), and, of course, the essential combo-melters.

“I actually own a melter, and let me tell you, those wax melts are sublime!” she exclaims. With scents like orange spice, White Zinfandel, evergreen & apple, cinnamon spice, and the delicious kiwi-strawberry, this is bound to be a gift that would make someone very, very happy. All of these fantastic gift ideas can be found at Southside White’s , Lindo’s in Devonshire, Hayward’s and White’s in Warwick, and, occasionally, at Caesar’s Pharmacy in Somerset, along with People’s Pharmacy.

If you don’t find what you are looking for on the attractive display shelves at these locations, you can give Crystal a call on 799-0390, or drop her an e-mail at cbsimons[AT]logic.bm.

Then there’s always the option of flagging her down when she’s driving by in her metallic, blue jeep, which is always stocked with a generous offering of Harmony of Gifts products. No matter what you purchase, you can be rest assured that you will be satisfied with whatever you take home.

<@$p>Delicious scents await you at Harmony of Gifts