Photo by Taryn Elliott
Fall has always been my very favorite season. Gorgeous fall colors on the trees. Jeans and sweater weather. Bonfires and roasted marshmallows. Unfortunately for me, it seems like we have less and less true Fall weather each year where I live.
Winter is not my favorite season. Although a nice snowfall can provide some pretty scenery, my job and my boys jobs generally still require us to report to work and I don’t like treacherous roads for any of us. The cold days and nights and the early darkness is a great excuse to embrace Hygge living though.
What is Hygge? It’s a Danish term that is loosely translated to Cozy Living. It’s all about creating a simpler, calming lifestyle. I love the idea behind this way of life. And by the way, it’s pronounced hyoo-guh, which is fun to say too.
Simple Ways to Incorporate Hygge in Your Life
Cozy, Comfortable Clothes
Cold, dreary nights (and days) are definitely the perfect time to bring out the comfy clothes. It might be a favorite warm sweater or sweatshirt. I have some favorite flannel pajama shorts and pants. Add a pair of soft, fuzzy socks or slippers to complete the comfort outfit.
Favorite cozy hot drinks and mugs
I love fixing hot drinks in the winter. Hot teas, apple cider, and chai lattes are my favorite warm drinks. Hot cocoa or coffee might be yours. Whatever your favorite hot drink is, fix it in your favorite mug and savor it. Favorite drinks always taste better in cute mugs, right?
Warm Throws and Heated Blankets
I keep my house cool. Partly because I’m frugal and partly because I sleep best when it’s nice and cool in my condo. I have a heated blanket on my bed that I like to turn on about 20 minutes before I climb into bed. If I’m just watching TV or sitting in my new favorite chair in my reading nook then I like to be wrapped up under a warm throw.
Cozy shows
Just like most of us have comfort foods, I think most of us have comfort shows also. HGTV shows like House Hunters and practically anything on one of the Hallmark channels (I have 3 Hallmark channels and that makes me so happy, lol) is soothing to me. Currently I’m making my way through the Gilmore Girls and loving it. How about a favorite movie? I can watch just about any version of Little Women. The Harry Potter series is a favorite of some friends and relatives.
Cozy Home
Your environment is an important aspect of Hygge. If your home feels safe and cozy, then you’ll be more inclined to hang out there on those dark winter nights. Declutter your space, clutter is the enemy of Hygge (something I have to work on, sigh). Start up the fireplace if you’re lucky enough to have one. Light some candles or turn on the string lights for some mood lighting. Have that cozy blanket draped over your favorite comfy chair.
Don’t forget about your bedroom too. Definitely clear the clutter there (yep, still talking to myself). Put on your favorite sheets, that would be bamboo for me but maybe you prefer flannel. Grab your best pillows. If you haven’t checked out Purple pillows, do it! They are pricey but fabulous! Can’t rave enough about these.
Be Intentional
Unplug from social media. Turn off the TV if you’re just using it for background noise. Try meditating. Take a nice long bath. Read a book. Create a winter bucket list of things you want to do. Basically, take the time to live in the moment and de-stress.
