If you’ve been on Pinterest or Instagram in the past few years, you’ve probably seen the word Hygge. Let me give you a little background on this magical term. Then I’ll dive into some ways you can incorporate the word into your winter routines. There is truly no better time of year to embrace hygge than now. So let’s dive in to how to hygge!
What is Hygge?
Hygge is a Danish word that doesn’t really have a translation. That makes it a little more magical for me. It’s a feeling, an atmosphere, an environment. In my opinion, it’s everything that winter should be, but it’s not just a cold weather thing.
Imagine your happiest Saturday and Sunday mornings. If you’re like me, they involve books, dogs, comfy pajamas, long walks, brunch/coffee with people I love, and not much “screen time.” It’s about slowing down and taking it all in – the little things and the big things, the people that make you happy, the moments you love.
How to Hygge: 10 Ways to Incorporate Hygge In Your Life
Sometimes, pictures capture these moments better than trying to describe them in words, especially when it’s a word that’s hard to define to begin with. These ten different words below follow the Little Book of Hygge‘s Manifesto. It will really help paint the picture and give you some ideas.
Truce
No drama, just happy memories – kind of like spending a weekend morning celebrating the Lunar New Year with confetti everywhere and a whole bunch of strangers dancing and smiling. With all the madness in politics, it’s important to find common ground with your neighbors and participate in your community.
Pleasure
Enjoy all of the wonderful things in small portions so you can really savor them. These were chocolate chip cookies made with cake batter that we enjoyed right before Christmas. Whether it’s homemade cookies or a new blanket and TV show, find things that bring you pleasure.
Presence
Be here right now. During the big blizzard we had last year, we just sat in our pajamas, drank coffee, and watched the snowfall. No TV, no phones (other than to snap a photo), and the feeling that we lived in a snow globe. When you’re out with friends, walking the dog, or sitting at home, just take a few minutes to focus on being present and taking in the scene.
Shelter
Being cozy and safe from the winter weather is essential to hygge. Create your comfort zone and find ways to keep your little family nearby. Nothing is better than having a dog cuddle with me while I read in the early mornings.
Gratitude
Take time to acknowledge the simple moments and be grateful. Whether you take a minute to notice the beauty of snow sitting on skinny green needles on a tree or the sound of rain hitting your roof, it’s important to find things to love. Some people take a photo a day or write a line in their journal. It’s an easy way to help create an entire mindset shift.
Harmony
Those moments were no one is racing to be the best, they are just working together and enjoying each other—those are worth noting. A couple made this snowman of kids in our old neighborhood and they spent hours getting it built just right. It was impressive. How can you not fall in love with the use of natural items.
Comfort
Surround yourself with things that make you comfortable. For me, it’s good blankets, sweatpants, twinkle lights, candles, and books. Make weekly trips to the library and pick out options. Stock your fridge and pantry with snacks. Get cozy and snuggle up.
Equality
Think more “we” and less “me” – however you accomplish this. We have spent a lot more time in crowds like this one for the last decade, but it’s a powerful feeling because you are reminded that it’s so much bigger than just you. It’s humbling and empowering all at the same time. I’m so proud to be part of this “we.”
Atmosphere
Almost anything you read about Hygge will have references to fireplaces and candles. There’s something about flickering firelight that adds so much peace to any atmosphere. I always seek out fireplaces when looking for a place to stay for ski trips or weekends out of the city. We have tons of smaller lights in our living area so that when we have a scrabble night, we don’t need to have the overhead lights on. It just feels cozy.
Togetherness
Building memories and relationships is easy to do when you are focused on others and harmony and living in the moment. One of the best nights of our entire four years living in New York City was the night this picture was taken. We found a fun rooftop spot that had outdoor spaces and one was a tent with a canoe inside with big fluffy blankets. We drank wine and all four of us shoved into the canoe and just enjoyed the fact that we were there – on a boat, on a rooftop, in the middle of Manhattan in December.
Winter months can be challenging because it gets dark so early, and leaving the house can seem like a big task. Make a recurring date every week or every other week where you catch up with a friend over tea in the morning or invite friends over for a cozy movie night. Prioritize your relationships and check in with your people however you can.
How Do You Hygge?
One of the things we’ve been working on lately is spending less time on our phones and in front of screens, but I don’t mind taking a quick picture if the timing is right. And you know what they say: a picture is worth one billion words. Knowing how to hygge doesn’t mean you have to totally give up on your usual habits.
If you have pictures of cozy scenes and your hygge lifestyle, make sure to tag us on Instagram @thecozychill – we want to experience all the coziness and love with you. There’s no definitive plan for how to hygge, but incorporating some of these ideas into your season will bring your more joy.
