Step 1: Gather all your ingredients: oranges, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, fresh rosemary, and water.
Step 2: Slice the oranges into rounds. You can use the entire orange or just the peels if you've already consumed the fruit.
Step 3: Carefully add the sliced oranges (or peels), fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and rosemary sprigs into a medium to large saucepan or Dutch oven.
Step 4: Pour 8-10 cups of water into the pot, ensuring all ingredients are fully submerged. Adjust the water amount based on the size of your pot.
Step 5: Place the pot on your stovetop over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This initial boil helps to release the aromas quickly.
Step 6: Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting possible, allowing the mixture to simmer gently. A very low simmer is key to prolonging the aroma without evaporating the water too quickly.
Step 7: Enjoy the festive fragrance! Check the water level every 30-60 minutes and add more hot water as needed to keep the ingredients submerged and the pot simmering. Never let the pot run dry.
Step 8: You can continue to simmer the pot for several hours, refreshing the water as necessary. For a stronger scent, add a few fresh ingredients after a few hours. When done, let the pot cool completely before discarding the contents.