Romanticize Winter with “Hygge!”
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is time for home.” – Edith Sitwell
Have you heard of the Danish concept of “hygge?” The word describes “embracing a cozy winter.” Hygge is pronounced hoo-gah or hue-guh. This word encourages you to create a cozy atmosphere and enjoy it with loved ones. When I heard of this serotonin boost for the winter months, I immediately felt drawn to romanticize winter using hygge.
Below are a few ideas that I will be implementing as the temperatures continue to drop!
Cozy Coloring: Are you on the cozy coloring side of TikTok, yet? I recently was influenced and purchased some nice paint markers and adult coloring books. Nothing is more relaxing than listening to an audiobook while coloring.
Speaking of books! The fall and winter months are a really fun time to embrace the weather with seasonally appropriate books. This could be a Christmas Rom Com or generally cozy book. Curling up with a book and glass of wine at the end of the day screams hygge.
Warm Décor: I never anticipated to be a person that would have more than one Christmas tree or Mardi Gras tree, but it has brought so much joy into the cooler months. When the sun sets at 5 PM, I need some twinkle lights and glitter to spark joy. It is your home, so decorate in whatever way makes you happy! Hygge can also look like comfy blankets and lighting a candle with intention.
Warm Foods: Bust out the crockpot and find all the soup recipes your heart desires. Nothing screams cozy like a shrimp and corn bisque or gumbo!
Enjoy Hygge with Friends. So many struggle with mental health during the winter months. Invite friends over for a movie night with hot chocolate and baked goods.
Nature’s Reminder to Slow Down: Winter is a great reminder to slow down and hibernate a bit. There is already a tendency to want to stay home more during colder months. Let it be ok to have a “rot” weekend with those you love.
Seasonal Crafting! Find a hobby to keep you occupied. This could be crocheting, reading, coloring, etc. Christmas and Mardi Gras give you an opportunity to get creative.
Get Outside. The nice thing about Acadiana is that it is cold in spurts and typically not ALL of the time. Take a walk at the Nature Station or book a weekend at Chicot State Park!
Want to learn more about the history of hygge? Learn more here!
