If you're not in the best mood during the holiday season-relax. Not everyone can complete an endless list of holiday preparations, while radiating good will toward men.

Scents that summon up the Christmas spirit include the fresh fragrant smell of pine trees, the comforting scent of cinnamon, nutmeg and pungent vanilla used in baking, spiced cider and mulling wine. Scented candles can be used to add glow to the season. Candles are welcoming and cozy, serving a dual purpose: to lightly scent and flatteringly light a room.

"The rich colors and delicious scents of the season are heightened by the flickering light and warmth of a burning flame," says award-winning interior designer Catherine Bailly Dunne.

Candles and other seasonal decorations can create mini focal points for each room.

"To make an ordinary end table something special, put several photos for holidays past in metallic frames and intersperse with red and green candles in glass jars. The flicker of the flames against the sparkling frames and the delicious aromas of the candles create a lovely (and fragrant!) picture," said Dunne.

Here are some more holiday mood-making tips:

• Candles can also be used as a centerpiece. Place a collection on a mirror for a dramatic doubling effect.

• Use a vanilla candle to bring a home-baked aroma to the kitchen.

• If you're feeling too jangled to hear jingle bells, send tension down the drain by soaking in an aromatic bath. Re-capture your holiday spirit by burning scented candles and listening to traditional carols.