I might sounds like a complete weirdo but I am really loving winter this year. There’s something about the coziness that just forces you to relax, stay in and pass the time doing cathartic things you love. In case you’re unfamiliar with the term, “hygge” is a Danish term that doesn’t translate to English perfectly, but basically is the concept of coziness. Because the Danish have long, arduous winters, they’ve learned to embrace it and I encourage you to do the same. This book really inspired my hygge journey and I highly recommend it. Cheers to a cozy winter!
Light a (real or fake) fire.
Full transparency: I live in a 700 square foot condo with no gas line. If I had a gas line, I 1000% would have added a gas fireplace, even if it meant that it didn’t necessarily increase my property value… But, no gas line, no real fireplace. What’s a girl to do? My mom (who’s also a fireplace aficionado) recently bought me a fake fireplace and I love it… Unfortunately my exact one is no longer available but THIS one looks amazing too.. The soft glow helps increase coziness a lot. Sigh. Bliss.
Declutter.
While this isn’t necessarily a “hygge” thing, a clean, minimalist environment really helps with the feeling of serenity.
Play relaxing music.
Repeat after me. “Alexa, play classical focus.” You’re welcome.
Light a real candle.
OK, maybe I’m an undiagnosed pyromaniac but I do love a good ol’ open flame (in a controlled, safe environment, of course). THESE are my personal favorite.. Not only do you get the cozy glow of the flame but you also get a crackle of the wood wick. Adore.
Bake all the cookies.
Just because Christmas is over and you’re probably watching your girlish figure like the rest of us, you can (and definitely should) still bake some cookies. Pro tip: If you don’t want to make a whole batch so as to avoid eating a whole batch, roll what you don’t want to bake in to balls and freeze for a later date. Here are some of my winter favorites that taste amazing fresh out of the oven:
- Brown Butter Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies
- Gingerbread Cookies
- Cowboy Cookies
- Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Molasses Cookies
Take up a mindless hobby
I love needlepoint… It’s so mindless but makes some very pretty things that can be turned in to Christmas ornaments, pillows, etc. Other ideas are knitting, crocheting, of friendship bracelet making.
Cuddle up under blankets with different textures.
My personal favorite? Faux fur and cable knit.
Drink ALL the herbal tea.
I’m totally on a detox tea kick at the moment but my usual go-to is Bengal Spice. I’ve once heard it say that it’s like drinking a cookie.. I wouldn’t go that far, but it’s GOOD.
Diffuse soothing essential oils.
I’m personally a fan of eucalyptus and THIS diffuser runs for hours… It makes for a very calming environment.
Light some fake candles.
Last but CERTAINLY not least are perhaps my favorite Amazon purchase of all time–my fake candles that come with a little remote.. Whaaatttt? They totally give a cozy glow without having to burn my fingertips lighting six candles.
Winter is officially here and I hope you’re able to embrace it! Cheers to cozy… and hygge!
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