5 Ways to Incorporate Hygge into Your Holiday Season

Not sure what hygge is? Neither does my computer, because it’s underlined in red with “huggable” as autocorrect's offered solution.

Autocorrect is actually not too far off, because if you didn't know, hygge (hyoo-guh) is the Danish practice of pursuing coziness and contentment. Think heading back to your wooden lodge after a wonderfully exhausting day in the snow. A heavenly aroma of slow-simmered stew and homemade bread greets you at the door and your mouth waters in anticipation of a candle-lit dinner with good company. You gaze out the window from a worn-in leather chair, perfectly situated next to a roaring fire. You pull on a pair of woolen socks and rub your feet as you notice the snow falling, so steadily that it blurs your last view of the breathtaking mountains before the sun sets. You whole-heartily laugh and sip a splash of hot chocolate as your favorite people retell a funny adventure from the day. Hygge is surrounding yourself with good company, whether your favorite people or favorite book, a relaxing atmosphere and a warm, aromatic drink. Simply said, hygge is about slowing down enough to enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

Now, let's be realistic about the fact that these “magical lodge moments” don’t happen as often as we would like. Also, thankfully it doesn’t have to to be cold outside to practice hygge because temperatures can be in the triple digits in October and November where I live. However, I sincerely admire the Dane’s persistent pursuit of hygge, and decided to intentionally incorporate elements of coziness and the practice of contentment into our daily lives.

There is so much hustle and bustle associated with the holiday season. It's not hard to run ourselves ragged and miss out on the really good stuff... and even feel a little disappointed when it's all said and done. So, here’s my challenge: how can we sincerely make this the most wonderful time of the year?

I don't claim to have all of the answers, but here are 5 hygge-inspired ideas that might help: 1. Create the ambiance. You don't have to save candlelight and soft music just for romance, although it doesn't hurt. Dim the lights on the rest of the world by indulging in a candle-lit dinner. We actually do this every evening, and have found that we are much more likely to linger around the table engaged in meaningful conversation. Hygge practice encourages ambient lighting, so consider using candles (whether real or LED), lamps with soft-lit bulbs or a strand of fairy lights, my favorite!

Another meaningful way we incorporate candles this time of year, is to celebrate the Season of Advent. Use four candles, representing joy, hope, love and peace and light a new candle in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Participate in the excitement as we celebrate the birth of Christ and anticipate His return. For an added hygge bonus, include reading a family devotional together in the evening.

2. Plan ahead and pace yourself. Want to spend more time peacefully sipping tea in front of your Christmas tree? I found a great (and completely free) Christmas Planner, aptly titled "Less Doing, More Meaning" offered by Diana Kokku. She provides a spread for defining your guiding values, getting your kids involved, decluttering, budget planning, gift listing, encouragement if you are dealing with grief this time of the year and so much more. You can find it here: https://www.dianakokku.com/

3. Keep it simple and be kind to yourself. Hygge is about indulging in a break from the demands of everyday life. And I don't know about you, but sometimes I don't bother to do so because of a self-imposed expectation to make it more extravagant than necessary. Create opportunies for peaceful moments in the midst of taking care of "all the things." Perhaps meet up with a friend at your favorite hygge coffee spot to break-up a busy day or invite friends over for brownies and a game night next to the fireplace.

4. Be cozy. If you feel most at ease wearing your socks with Birkenstocks, then do it. I have been on a journey of defining my style, which I'm really excited to write about in a future post. I've learned that for me to feel my best, my clothes absolutely must be comfortable. The velvet shirt I'm wearing in the photo above is the perfect blend of hygge and chic and I would wear it everyday if I could.

5. Stay connected. I love exchanging Christmas cards with cherished family and friends this time of the year. It's so fun to catch a glimpse into their lives. Let's take it a step further by including a hand-written note, calling or FaceTiming them, or best yet, pay your loved ones a visit if you can.

If you'd like to learn more about hygge, check out "The Little Book of Hygge" by Meik Wiking. But I'm curious, what ideas did this post give you? What hygge practices do you already do, especially this time of the year? Feel free to comment below! Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and hygge holiday season. Lauren