"Oxymel of Squill" wrote
I planted a chimonanthus about 3 years ago with just this promise,
christmas flowers and scent. If you try it, get a mature one as it
seems to be a very slow grower

Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' could be another choice if the situation is
shaded or partially so. Smallish, neatly growing evergreen shrub with
heads of showy pink buds all winter and a good scent when the flowers
finally open. GC's have these in various sizes from tiddlers upwards at
the moment for using in winter potted arrangements.

--
Sue