How to Hygge Like an American

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Hyggefying (new word guys, you saw it here first) your home can be easy and fun. But first, a little basic Hygge 101. Hygge is a danish practice of coziness during the cold, dark, winter months. Here in Seattle, we have what feels like half a year of cold, dark, winter months. So, I am embracing the Hygge way of life, with an American twist. You may not know, I use to live in Hawaii, and part of my soul never left. 80 degrees and sunny, on a beach with a mai tai is my natural state. And, if I’m getting honest, as much as I love the Seattle area, the winters are rough on me. I have to choose to be happy when I haven’t seen the sun in two weeks. I have to choose to be happy when I’m cold and miserable. So I choose to Hygge!

My mom was actually the first person who got me into Hygge. The idea being I live here, I can embrace it or fight it, but fighting it doesn’t suddenly make 30 degree overcast days 80 and sunny. So I’ll save my pennies and dream about my next vacation, while learning to love the coziness of winter. Here are five easy ways to get started Hyggeing yourself!

Candles

Rumor has it that Danes burn more candles per capita than any other country. And, coming home, lighting all the candle in your house and filling the house with candle light is an easy way to instantly brighten your evening. There is something so cozy and wonderful about the soft glow of candle light. It makes everything more beautiful and the sweet aroma that filters through your home can be very relaxing. Lighting candles is a sure fire way (I’m feeling punny) of  uplifting your spirits and the first step in cozifying your home.

Throw Pillows & Blankets

What could possibly be an easier way to get cozy than to surround yourself with cozy things? Wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, while sinking into a plush pillow with a cup of warm tea and good book, or settling in for a good conversation is enough to start warming anyone’s heart. Plus, it’s an excuse to hit up Target for a new extra cozy blanket, and I think we all can get behind a new reason to go to Target. Cue angels singing.

Loungewear

It’s time to seriously step up your loungewear. Loungewear is no longer code for PJs and PJs is no longer code for an old, ratty t-shirt from some fun run and a pair of Sophie shorts that have been lingering around the closet since high school. Anyone else fall into this trap? You can hang onto the shirt for sentimental purposes, but throw out the poor shorts and invest in some adult loungewear. Something you feel cute and comfortable in. Something that you can curl up on the couch in with a friend, talk over a glass of wine, while being cozy but still feeling like an adult in an adult’s wardrobe.

Friends & Family

In the summer I am with people all the time. There are tons of festivals to go to, trips to take, concerts to see, boats to sail, trails to hike, and so on and so forth. In the winter it’s so easy to turn into a social hermit, cutting yourself off from the rest of the world. Instead, go out of your way to bring people together in these dark, dreary months. A winter dinner party, with warm boozy drinks, and lots of candle light, over good conversation and laughs is just what your soul has been longing for. Have that girlfriend over for drinks after work one evening in front of the fireplace. Or plan a nice romantic, candle lit dinner for that special someone. Give yourself fun things to look forward to!

Music

Bring on the tunes! Find some great background music to lighten the mood in your home. Something that makes you feel those warm and fuzzy feelings while listening to it. Personally, I love Brunch Cafe and Dinner Party stations on Pandora. Music can transform our whole moods and set a tone (being punny again!) for the day. Having something on in the background that makes me feel sunny when clouds are gray not only instantly puts me in a better mood but I am more productive as well. Double win!

Bonus: Fireplace

I didn’t include this in my top 5 since so many people don’t have fireplaces, but if you are lucky enough to have one, use it! When I moved into my home I never used my fireplace. It sat there, as the focal point of my living room, completely unused. I was a little intimidated about using it and it seemed like a hassle. Just do it! There is nothing better than curling up in front of a fire (in a cozy blanket and your new loungewear!) on a cold and dark winter’s night. Embrace it!

 

In closing, it’s your life, you can choose to let the winter months get you down or choose to embrace it with open arms and make the most out of the cold and dark winter months. I challenge you to go beyond even that, make them magical!

 

PS- This just in, these slippers are 50% off right now!