Definitely unlike any Christmas-scented candle I've ever had. Not baking spicy. Not really pine-y. No mint, not particularly vanilla. I LOVE IT FOR THESE REASONS. It's a wintery herb/floral, if that makes sense. Refreshing and crisp, not heady. There are notes of the traditional stuff, but those aren't primary. I really like this size, and it's throwing wonderfully. I'll have a full, clean pool in no time.