upping your winter hygge

We’re big fans of hygge around here. I’ve got a couple of posts about it, but, as a quick refresher:

I think everyone feels the heaviness, and hecticness, and loneliness of 2020; and things aren’t ‘back to normal’ yet. With the holidays over, and most of winter still ahead of us (and, you know, things), finding ways to keep your spirits up is important. There’s a lot of hygge information out there, so I’m going to suggest some of the hygge staples, but also throw a few other ideas that really work for me out there.

Home:

Improve your lighting. Cozy lighting is key to a hygge atmosphere, but there is more than one way to achieve that. We have installed a couple of dimmer switches in our home. Changing out switches is actually not that tricky, especially with help from online resources. It’s a very cost-effective way to have better mood lighting. Alternatively, you can go the more expensive route, and get wall or floor lighting to create cozy spaces to read in the evenings.
Create a cozy bed. I’m not here to tell you that you need to make your bed first thing in the morning (you can make it before dinner)—I don’t even do that. But having sheets that aren’t old, and straightening up the bed—maybe adding a cozy throw—will make getting into bed a luxurious experience. In fact, getting out of the shower, into clean pajamas, and then into clean bedding is my favourite feeling in the world. Straighten your bed, fold down the top blanket. Enjoy.
Finish your spaces. Obviously, some home projects are big undertakings. Don’t worry about those for now. If you’re like me, you probably have a bunch of tiny loose ends that you could work on. Never underestimate how nice it is to be in a space that feels good. Make sure your have cozy window coverings; make sure you have good weather stripping on your doors; paint something; work on a small project that will feel exciting, like you’re improving things. A couple of weeks ago, I repainted the shelf in my room where I keep my books. It was a small-ish project. The dark color makes the white pots and green plants pop. It feels cozier.
Get some rainbow crystals for your windows. When my mom gifted us one for my daughter’s birthday, I wasn’t really sure why one would get a rainbow crystal. You hang it in your window (it has to be one that gets good, bright light!), and it sprays rainbow dots around the room. Turns out, it’s extremely awesome. We just recently hung a second one in our bedroom. Mornings are literally a bit more cheerful for me when my living room is full of rainbows. There are also rainbow window films, if that’s up your alley.

Food:

Find a new warm drink to really love. We tried herbal teas in the past, but didn’t get into it. We are big time into Crio Bro now (brewed cacao). I just recently found my all-time favourite flavour, too. Try a drink that interests you. Then experiment with making it perfect.
Make a bunch of soups. Is there anything cozier than soup? As it turns out, I have a hard time finding soups I want as more than just an appetizer, but most people aren’t as picky as me. Each week, make a new one. Try and find enough you enjoy to make one soup a week for a month.
Find yourself some amazing chocolate. We are extremely blessed, and have a chocolate factory a few minutes from home. But, you can buy artisan chocolates online. You should. The difference between that and common grocery store chocolate is night and day. I recently gifted my sister a bar of Ritual chocolate. Just a square or three a day can be a nice, fancy pick-me-up.
Make warm, slow foods. I have a difficult time cooking in winter (like, for the last 4 years, starting in November each time). That being said, I also really like excellent food. When it cold out, and I feel less motivated, a good meal can help a lot more than one would expect. Especially if you’re just at home right now, remember: you can take time to do things. You can go slow. It’s okay. You don’t need to worry about how long things take so much. For example, instead of my usual microwave oatmeal, I’ll make stovetop oatmeal. The flavors are just better. I’ve also swapped out my lunchtime sandwich for open-faced sandwiches. I turn on the broiler, and get the cheese nice and toasty. It feels a little more notable, and is a nice contrast to other things I snack on.

Activities:

Make your own candles. Candles are one of the quintessential elements of a hygge space, but why not make your own? In our town, we have candle-making place that is super fun. I’m going to wager a guess that you could figure out how to do it at home, too. Creating your own scent makes it extra special.
Visit a nursery. Personally, I live for cloudy days, but I know I’m in the minority. Even with my love of gloom, the less vibrant plant life can feel a bit sad. Even if you don’t go to buy anything, I find wandering a nursery to be really uplifting. Really take time to look at everything. Notice the variety. Enjoy the effervescent greenery. Sit, if there’s a place for that. Take pictures, if that is something you enjoy. Take a plant home—if that’s up your alley—to brighten your space.
Revise how you do social media. Something I’ve been tossing around lately is changing up what I post with the goal of more meaningful engagement. Give polls; ask a deep question. Share something important. Ask silly questions and demand responses. The idea is really connect more with others, especially during this isolated time.
Pick up a new hobby, or improve one you already have. I know, I know: easier said than done. In the last 5 years-ish, I’ve learned new things. But a lot of the time, I’m trying to improve, say, my photoshop skills, or fitness, or any other thing. Is there something you are curious about, but might not have gotten around to pre-pandemic? Go for it. You can do it! After 1 class, and a 15 year break, I took up knitting again. My first piece had to be tossed after a short time. My second was bad. My third was pretty good. And now I’m working on a cowl with a stitch I just learned (stockinette). It might sound silly, but learning something c o m p l e t e l y new has been very fulfilling.

Winter doesn’t have to be dreary. Reframe, and find the joy in this period, too. I will be. Join me!

A common hygge day for me would be: waking up, and getting everyone ready for the day, perhaps while listening to pleasant music; enjoying a warm oatmeal breakfast. Maybe taking the kids outside to play (remember, hygge is always more hygge if first your move your body, and get cold first), squeezing in some reading. Whipping up a simple sandwich lunch, and being silly with the kids. Harry napping easily (ha!), and reading, or working on a project while he does so. Tidying the house, and making dinner, then spending time all together after Todd’s done with work. Once the kids are down, I could knit with a cup of Crio Bru, or cozy up on the couch. It’s slow. It’s not monumental, but it’s the goal for now.

What hygge activities bring your happiness?