5 Simple Ways To Have a Hygge Home Post-Holidays
Hygge (pronounced "hoo-guh") is a Danish and Norwegian term that encompasses a feeling of coziness and contentment. Here are five ways to bring the hygge home, nurture your need for winter cozy, and love your space when it feels like there’s nowhere else to go.
Just two short months ago, we were eagerly putting up Christmas decorations and getting ready for a joyful winter solstice. Days were getting shorter and temperatures were dropping, but the holiday season was on its way and we were in full-on festive mode!
Fast forward to mid January: the decorations have come down and the temperatures have dropped well below zero. Here in Minnesota, we’re staring down three months of cold, sunless winter. Even if you're an outdoor enthusiast there isn’t enough snow to build even the scrawniest of snowmen.
I was recently reading about animals that hibernate. 15% of known mammals go into hibernation or torpor during colder months: Their metabolism slows, their body naturally conserves energy through a lowered body temperature, and their sensitivity to stimuli is drastically decreased. What if we’re not that different from our furry cousins? I am not suggesting humans hibernate (although I would be willing to give it a try 😉) but it seems there is a natural instinct in the winter months to slow down, get cozy, and stay indoors. Our 24/7 culture would have us hustling year round, making New Year's Resolutions to DO and BE more, but maybe we should lean into this inclination for slow meals, time with family, and leisurely self-care, not to mention windchill advisories and icy roads often make outdoor activities downright dangerous.
Hygge (pronounced "hoo-guh") is a Danish and Norwegian term that encompasses a feeling of coziness and contentment, particularly in creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Hygge encourages us to slow down, appreciate the simple things in life, and create spaces and moments that bring us comfort and joy. It's a wonderful concept that promotes mindfulness and well-being in our everyday lives.
With our strong Scandinavian influence here in Minnesota, hygge is a big part of our winter culture, but even for the most introverted home-body, negative 20 degree wind chill and sunsets at 4:30 pm can get you down. With winter looming ahead, here are five ways to bring the hygge home, nurture your need for winter cozy, and love your space when it feels like there’s nowhere else to go.
Declutter:
You might be thinking “Here comes the organizer, with the same old advice: Declutter!” Yes, this is usually #1 on most of my lists, and yes, I believe decluttering can solve a wide range of issues, and yes, I am probably biased. But hear me out.
Decluttering plays a significant role in embracing a hygge home, as it contributes to creating a serene and cozy environment. Decluttering involves assessing your belongings and being mindful of what you truly need and value. This mindfulness extends to the practice of hygge, which emphasizes being present and finding joy in the little things.
Removing unnecessary items from your living space creates a sense of calmness and tranquility. Clutter can be visually distracting and overwhelming, while a decluttered space fosters a feeling of openness and peace.
By reducing clutter you create greater efficiency and free up time to appreciate the people and activities that bring you joy. This simplicity aligns with the hygge philosophy of enjoying the present moment and appreciating life's simple pleasures without unnecessary distractions.
Don’t put ALL the decorations away:
Now that you have decluttered, you are able to stage your space in a way that promotes serenity, coziness, and warmth. Re-use some of your holiday decor that could cross over as winter decor. You know that warm, cozy feeling you get when you turn off all the lights and sit in front of the Christmas tree? Keep it going by stringing some Christmas tree (or “fairy”) lights around your windows or a plant. Light some candles or a fireplace and enjoy the flickering glow, even if it’s just you at home.
The key to achieving a hygge aesthetic is to prioritize comfort, simplicity, and a sense of connection with loved ones. It's about creating a space where you feel at ease and can fully enjoy the present moment. Shop your home and closets for the objects and photos that bring you the most joy, and display them prominently. Stack your favorite books in front, use the heirloom teacup for your morning coffee, and pull out your kids’ baby blanket as a lap blanket. Honor the memories these items hold by using them to curate your winter hygge home.
Self care rituals:
Creating a hygge home involves more than just aesthetics; it's about cultivating a snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug environment that promotes well-being. Self-care rituals play a pivotal role in achieving this atmosphere. Incorporating practices like taking a leisurely bath, treating yourself to a pedicure (not just for sandal weather!) , binging your favorite Netflix, or simply unwinding with a book, contributes to a sense of comfort and mindfulness. Allowing yourself time to do something that you might consider a “guilty pleasure” not only enhances the overall ambiance of a hygge home but also fosters a deeper connection with oneself. By prioritizing self-care, you can create a haven where you can recharge, find solace, and embrace the warmth that defines the essence of hygge living.
Bake bread:
I have never been an accomplished baker. While I can follow directions on a box of cake mix, the patience required for delicate pastries has always been hard for me. This winter, however, I came across a “fail proof” bread recipe and gave it a shot. It turned out pretty ok, and now I am hooked!
First and foremost, when you bake bread your home is filled with a delicious, yeasty aroma while it rises and bakes. What is more hygge than that? A loaf of bread uses cheap ingredients you likely already have on hand. As a basic staple of the human diet for thousands of years, there is a huge sense of accomplishment that comes with creating something so wholesome and delicious out of such humble ingredients. And unlike other baked goods or treats, there is usually less guilt associated with consumption (use it for morning toast or pack a sandwich for lunch). Now every Saturday, my kids and I make a loaf of bread. They love to measure, mix, and knead, and are always so proud to see their creation come out of the oven. It gives me a project to do with them on a cold, blustery day at home, and teaches them skills like patience, delayed gratification, basic kitchen safety, and following instructions.
Plus, now you have bread.
Here was my starter recipe: Gimme Some Oven No Knead Bread
Enjoy MN local activities:
If there is one thing we do well in Minnesota, it’s winter. While southern states shut down at the thought of a frost, here in the northern tundra, we’re gearing up for the World Snow Sculpting Competition with a high of 0 degrees.
Engaging in local activities is a wonderful way to infuse a sense of hygge into your lifestyle. Local events contribute to a deeper connection with the community, and help develop a sense of belonging.
Check out the World Snow Sculpting Competition this week in Stillwater, or the oldest winter festival in the United States, the St. Paul Winter Carnival. If you’re up for a little road trip, visit Grand Marais for their Hygge Festival in February.
As we navigate the depths of winter in Minnesota, it's easy to succumb to the chill and darkness. However, embracing the concept of hygge can transform this season into a time of warmth and contentment. As we journey through these cold months, let hygge be your guide, turning each day into a cozy celebration of simplicity and joy.
Further reading:
The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking
American Cozy: Hygge-Inspired Ways to Create Comfort & Happiness by Stephanie Pedersen
Outer Order, Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin
Five ways to boost your productivity at home (or how to power through the neverending winter)