It’s easy to start feeling down when the cold, dreary weather of winter starts setting in. Shorter days and less sunshine can mean we feel like staying home and hiding under blankets.
Well, friend, the Danes noticed that, too. On the winter solstice (December 21, the shortest day of the year), Denmark has a mere 7 hours of daylight. To survive those dark winters, Danes embraced the warm candle light and comfy blankets! Instead of feeling down about the short days, they became obsessed with the concept of hygge.
What is Hygge?
Hygge (pronounced hue-guh or hoo-gah) can be roughly translated to “coziness,” and it is as much a part of Danish national identity as freedom is to Americans. Recently, it has been adopted by the United States, particularly in the northern states that see almost as little sunshine as Denmark in the winter months. On the winter solstice, Simply Earth headquarters sees about 9 hours of daylight.
For the Danes, creating hygge is a way of life. It’s about warm friendships, a relaxed atmosphere, and self-care.
7 Ways to Add Hygge to Your Home this Winter
Hygge is slow, warm, and relaxed.
1. Light a Fire
Fireplaces and candle light ooze hygge. The warmth and dimmed light sets the stage for the perfect hygge-filled evening. You can also achieve this by making sure all of your lightbulbs are warm white this winter.
If you have a fireplace that can’t be used, or you just don’t want the hassle of actually burning firewood, try filling your fireplace with a variety of candles! You can even make your own natural candle.
2. Use Throw Blankets and Squishy Pillows
Remember that winter-blue feeling of wanting to stay home and snuggle up in a blanket? Add a positive attitude, and that is hygge to a T! Any room with furniture that you sit or lie down on can be filled with squishy pillows and thick, warm throw blankets. Other hygge decor options are squishy armchairs, soft area rugs, and plenty of surfaces to put down delicious food and warm drinks.
If you want to add even more comfort, put a few drops of your favorite calming essential oil blend on your pillows and blankets so you can smell them while you snuggle up! You can use this pillow spray recipe.
3. Invite Your Friends Over
While you can enjoy hygge alone, it is always better with friends. Hygge isn’t just hibernating under a blanket all winter — friendship is a huge part of it! Invite fellow humans into your warm, intimate space and enjoy some quality time together.
If you want to help your friends indulge a little more in self-care, consider these gift ideas:
- Tension Relief Bath Soak Recipe
- Uplifting Body Butter
- Aromatherapy Rice Bag
- Mandarin & Coffee Sugar Scrub
4. Sip Warm Beverages
Is there anything cozier than a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows or rich whipped cream? Maybe it’s tea or hot apple cider that makes your heart sing. Whatever your warm beverage of choice, make it and enjoy every sip.
If your friends are over, no one should be empty handed! Make sure everyone has something warm to drink. Bonus points if you boil water in a kettle instead of the microwave!
If you’re looking for something with a little alcoholic, there are tons of great recipes for warm cocktails. A quick internet search will give you dozens of great options!
5. Indulge in Rich Foods
While you might want to avoid indulging in rich foods every night, make it part of your winter gatherings! Occasional indulgence is a fabulous part of self-care, and it is certainly a part of hygge. From charcuterie boards to rich chocolate cake, hygge is characterized by rich, delicious, indulgent cuisine.
Some other ideas to try:
- Toasted English muffins with butter and jam
- Slow-cooked roasts and other slow-cooked meats
- Creamy soups and rich stews
- Chicken pot pie
- Warm casseroles
- Charcuterie boards
- Chocolate mousse
- Warm pies
- Rich cakes
6. Snuggle
Whether it’s your hunny, your kids, your dog, or a less-than-excited cat, share some warmth with someone you love!
7. Put Away the Screens
If there’s one thing hygge isn’t, it’s screens. Put away your phones, keep the TV off, and avoid the computer. Feel free to play music!
Here are some activities to consider (either alone or with friends) instead of looking at a screen:
- Board games or card games
- Read a book
- Cook or bake
- Paint (even if you’re bad at it!)
- Host a Recipe Party
Invite friends over to help you make the recipes in your Essential Oil Recipe Box. - At-home mani/pedi
- Play an instrument
- Party games like charades
- Eat and chat
Adding Hygge to Your Home This Winter
There is no perfect formula for creating hygge, but that warm, intimate, cozy winter is worth the effort! Take a lesson from the Danes and make your winter home wonderful with hygge.
What are your thoughts? We’d love to hear about it on social media with @fromsimplyearth and in the comments below!
To learn more about how to use essential oils, check out our Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box. When you subscribe, we’ll ship you a monthly supply of four 100% pure essential oils, six natural recipes, and all the quality ingredients you’ll need to make your own wonderful products for just $44.99/month. All of these goodies have over $100 value, plus we’ll give you a FREE Big Bonus Box when you subscribe.
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