Hygge, pronounced hoo-gah, is a Danish word defined as “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” In simpler terms, hygge is the name given to the common desire for warmth and intimacy. Hygge beckons us to create warm, cozy, comfortable moments then begs us to settle in, snuggle up and slow down long enough to really enjoy the present moment. The holidays are the peak of hygge season due to the cold weather that winter brings, so in honor of hygge, here are seven ways you can create a healthy holiday hygge in your home for you and all of your holiday guests.
#1 Set the Mood with Lighting
When it comes to creating a holiday hygge, soft lighting is key. Start a roaring fire, light a couple of candles or turn on a few twinkle lights and set them in glass jars. If you don’t have a fireplace, cue up a yule log video on YouTube. The crackling of the burning log will make it feel so real you swear you can feel the heat from the fire. Don’t forget to plug in the Christmas tree, which illuminates the perfect amount of light to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Sounds pretty magical to us!
#2 Stay Soft with Throw Blankets and Pillows
Set out piles of throw blankets and pillows as well as other soft textures. Stack folded blankets on soft sofa cushions, add a blanket or two over the side of an armchair and lay a plush area rug over the floor. Make your space similar to a big, inviting bed that welcomes you home after a long day. Add in any holiday accent pieces for an additional touch of holiday flare.
#3 Channel Mother Nature
Although the winter months are all about keeping cozy inside, why not bring Mother Nature indoors? This is especially easy during the holiday season (hello live Christmas trees), but don’t forget to borrow other elements from Mother Nature including pinebow, holly berries and pine cones.
#4 Personal Items
Creating a holiday hygge home is also about including personal items that resonate with you. Whether it’s family photos, favorite books or personal treasures that are reminders of holidays past, display them on your coffee table, mantel and windowsills. Whatever brings a smile to your face is holiday hygge worthy!
#5 Warming Foods and Beverages
Hygge is all about humble food that should be savored. Food items should be simple and rustic. Think about foods that make you feel warm and cozy like soups, stews and hearty dishes such as Curry Cauliflower Gratin, Simple Swedish Meatballs, or Double Crust Chicken Pot Pie. Whatever you choose to dine on while you holiday hygge, just make sure it makes you feel warm and wonderful. You can even slowly sip on a warm mug of bone broth or a soothing cup of your favorite seasonal tea. If making tea, be sure to include a dash of holiday flavor with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom!
#6 Get Cozy
When getting your holiday hygge on, throw on some comfy clothes like your favorite pair of pajamas, sweatpants or athleisure attire. In honor of the holiday season, why not bust out your reindeer pajamas and slip on your snowman slippers. Don’t worry, we won’t judge.
#7 Savor the Sensations
Creating a holiday hygge home for the winter season isn’t all about how things look, but it’s also about how things feel. Take a moment to really feel the warmth of your favorite ceramic mug as you slowly sip your bone broth soup or run your fingers across the soft fibers of your favorite throw blanket. Breathe deeply as you smell the scent of a holiday candle nearby and really listen to the crackling wood over an open fire. Don’t you feel relaxed already?
A healthy holiday hygge is simple and so worth it, so the next time you want to get your holiday hygge on, use these seven tips to create the coziest space for you and your holiday guests this winter season.
Tag us @SimpleMills so we can see how you get your holiday hygge on this winter!