Welcome the new Cozy Living series. Each month we will join a handful of other talented bloggers to share cozy living tips and how to embrace living Hygge.
To the Danish, the concept of Hygge is not a new one. To us here in North America, it’s a little less familiar. But, given our frenetic pace of life, it is a welcome idea.
If you’re not sure what I’m referring to or you’ve just been really busy with life, Hygge is defined (by Wikipedia here) as:
Hygge (/ˈhjuːɡə/ HEW-gə or /ˈhuːɡə/ HOO-gə) is a Danish and Norwegian word which can be described as a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).
Such good words in that definition – cosiness, comfortable, contentment, well-being. Exactly the words I’d like to describe our home.
But how do we here in the west, with our social media and crazy schedules embrace that hygge lifestyle?
Well there are several books about it:
And a few blogs too.
But basically, hygge is all about embracing and enjoying life, particularly in those dark and cold winter months.
How to Hygge in 5 Steps
Here are 5 things you can do to embrace Hygge this winter.
1. Make your home as cozy as possible
We just talked about creating a cozy corner the other day. If you didn’t do it then, make sure you go and read about how to do it now. Hint: you definitely need throw pillows and cozy blankets!
2. Have an indoor picnic
Bonus points if you can cozy up near a fire for your picnic! Serve easy to prepare and nibble on finger foods on a soft plaid blanket. Keep your slippers and sweats on just for fun.
3. Unplug from all electronics
I know it’s easier said than done, especially if your job or business requires that you’re on social media. But it’s important to spend some quality time away from screens. Try to listen to old music or just enjoy the silence with a good book.
4. Play a board game
Or host a board game tournament or play off with your friends. Serve some simple snacks and dress comfortably. Fun group games include Dominos, Catan and good old fashioned card games.
5. Buy appropriate clothing
There’s apparently a saying in Sweden that says “there’s no bad weather, only bad clothes”. Which if you think about it, is kind of true. If you have a parka and warm boots and mittens, going outside is not such a big deal. But if you’re dressed in Converse and that cute little jacket, you may just be miserable! Get yourself some great boots, warm mitts and something to keep your head warm already!
I’m sure there are lots of other ways to embrace Hygge, but these should get you started.
10 More Cozy Living Ideas
As for cozy living, this month kicks off a new series that I’m thrilled to say I get to be a part of with some of my favorite bloggers. We’ll all be posting about cozy living over the next few months. See their ideas below.
Home Made Lovely | Bless’er House | Duke Manor Farmhouse | Finding Silver Pennies
Flat Creek Farmhouse | Little Glass Jar | Making It in the Mountains | Sincerely, Marie Designs
Thoughts from Alice | Town and Country Living | VinYet Etc.
What do you think of Hygge? And cozy living?
hey Shannon, I’m all about Hygee…and going back to life’s simple pleasures.
Yes!!!
Shannon, I love your fireplace. It’s so cozy for fall and winter.
Thank you, my friend! Miss you!
Beautiful post! Thanks for sharing all these great ideas!
Thanks, Sarah. I’m glad you enjoyed the ideas!
I love your 5 steps to Hygge, it really is all about pulling on those reins and saying, whoa to life! Slowing it all down, living in those wonderful moments and breathe! So happy to be in this wonderful #CozyLiving series with you! xo
Yes! Slowing down is so good.
SO many great ideas Shannon! We LOVE playing board games together in front of the fire this time of year!
There’s something SO cozy about that, isn’t there?
Shannon, I love your tips for bringing a little hygge into your life. LOVE that chunky pink throw and think I’m gonna get it for my daughter. I’ll use your affiliate link! 🙂
Aw, thanks, Jennifer.
Ahh that fireplace and cozy chair, so pretty! I love all of your tips! My four year old has really gotten into playing board games the last year so to disconnect from the screens and just hang with one another has been so wonderful! It’s def. the cure for a rough day.
It’s so fun when they get big enough to play games, isn’t it?!
I LOVE fall/winter for the very reason. So many excuses to get cozy. 🙂 Almost makes me jealous that you get snow way more often than I do here in South Carolina. 😉 Great post, Shannon!
I’m so ready to hibernate now that we do have snow. We’ll see if it lasts though. I’m in Southern Ontario which means we get snow, but not as much as other parts of Canada.
I just love these hygge cozy living ideas. Thanks for sharing this post.
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing this amazing on how to make a home cozy and inviting. I came across this concept of hygge a couple of months ago and I got hooked on this Danish lifestyle. I got a lot of inspiring ideas after reading this post on hygge.