Christmas DIY #1

Frankincense and Myrrh cuticle oil: A fragrant, faith-filled DIY Christmas gift with a whole lot of meaning.

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Every Christmas, I(Chané) start to think about meaningful gifts I can make for our loved ones. I start doing a little research on Instagram and Pinterest and a lot of the times certain things will stand out to me. I try to think of each individual and what colours and styles I’ve observed through the past year, they might like, love or appreciate.

Being from South Africa, I have noticed that there are some similarities and differences in the way we celebrate Christmas. This is true in our direct family cultures as well. The big difference, of course, being that we try to go to the beach on Christmas Day as it is summer in South Africa this time of the year and most of my family live at the coast.

All this to say, I’ve always tried to make gifts people will either absolutely love or use daily. This way the gift holds meaning and memory and every time they use it or see it, they’ll think of who gave it to them.

The first gift I made is cuticle oil, all the girls in our family love getting their nails done and cuticle oil is great for making those nails last longer. It also nourishes the cuticles, making your hands look and feel well manicured. This recipe was inspired by The Divine Soul Shine on instagram.

Gift of the Magi to baby Jesus

“When they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, they fell to the ground at his feet and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests full of gifts and presented him with gold, frankincense, and myrrh..”

Matthew 2:11 (TPT)

Frankincense and Myrrh cuticle oil:

You’ll need:

• Cuticle oil twist-pens

• 3 Drops Frankincense essential oil

• 3 Drops Myrrh essential oil

• 3 Drops Lemon oil

• MTC coconut oil

Here’s how to do it:

• Add all the essential oils into the twist-pen tube

• Fill the rest of the tube with MTC oil

• Pop the brush tip in place, make sure it goes all the way in

• Shake and use

It’s that simple and it smells amazing! Apply and massage into to nails and cuticles before bedtime to get the most benefits from this gift.

Now let’s get into some details about the oils, their benefits and significance…

Frankincense (Boswellia species) essential oil and resin have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and beauty rituals (including in ancient Egypt and the Middle East). Modern users and some small studies point to the following benefits specifically for nails and cuticles:

• Strong anti-inflammatory action

• Antibacterial and antifungal properties

• Deeply moisturizing and regenerative

• Antioxidant protection

• Improves circulation and nutrient delivery

Frankincense is mentioned over 20 times in Scripture, always as something precious, holy, and healing.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) essential oil and resin have been used medicinally since at least 1700 BC (recorded in the Ebers Papyrus). Its effects on nails and cuticles are powerful and well-documented in both ancient and modern use:

• Exceptionally strong antifungal and antibacterial action

• Powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving

• Wound-healing and tissue-regenerating

• Deeply protective and strengthening

• Improves nail growth and appearance

Frankincense and myrrh are almost always mentioned together in Scripture and in traditional beauty recipes for a reason: together they are one of the most potent natural nail-and-cuticle healing duos on earth—used by queens, priests, and wise men for over three millennia.

Lemon (Citrus limon) essential oil is cold-pressed from the rind and is one of the most popular oils in natural nail care. Its benefits come from high levels of d-limonene, citral, vitamin C, and natural solvents.

• Natural whitening and stain removal

• Strong antifungal and antibacterial action

• Cuticle-dissolving and softening

• Strengthens brittle, peeling nails

• Stimulates healthy nail growth

• Natural solvent and cleaner

Interesting fact, the Bible does not mention “lemon” by that exact name (the lemon reached the Mediterranean after biblical times), but it repeatedly celebrates fragrant citrus-like trees that scholars and ancient Jewish tradition identify as close relatives (or symbolic cousins) of the modern lemon—especially the balsam, citron (etrog), and “sweet fruits” praised for beauty and cleansing.

“…down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”

Revelation 22:2 (NIV)

MCT (Medium-Chain Triglyceride) coconut oil, a fractionated form of coconut oil that’s popular in beauty and wellness routines. MCT oil is derived from coconut oil but concentrated to contain primarily caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acids, making it lighter, less solid at room temperature, and quicker to absorb than regular coconut oil. It’s often used topically for its moisturizing and protective qualities without the greasiness. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits, supported by its fatty acid profile:

• Intense hydration and moisture retention

• Strengthens and reduces brittleness

• Antibacterial and antifungal protection

• Promotes faster, healthier nail growth

• Soothes inflammation and heals minor damage

Isn’t it just amazing how we can turn to the Bible for wisdom about everything under the sun?! Even though MTC coconut oil isn’t specifically mentioned in the Bible, the verse below speaks of oil as a divine gift for shining, strengthening, and nourishing the body.

“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate — bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.”

Psalm 104:14–15 (KJV)

There is sooo much more beneath the surface of every aspect of our lives, I love searching out the matter. How great is our God?!

I hope you give this a try and put some thought, meaning and love into your gift giving this year.

Ryan & Chané

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