How to Hygge in 5 Steps, Plus 10 More Cozy Living Ideas

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.