Last spring I set into motion an intention to bring more coziness into my life, through the Danish custom of hygge. My desire sparked the idea of welcoming each season throughout the year with a week of hygge activities.

I met that intention by practicing hygge in the spring, summer and fall. With a seasonal change occurring next week, it’s time to gather winter hygge ideas, in preparation for a seven days of coziness.

mHygge is Perfect for Winter

With its focus on living in the moment, finding beauty in simplicity and nurturing yourself and others with coziness, hygge is perfectly suited for winter.

It’s thought the word hygge comes from a Danish word meaning “to give courage, comfort, joy”. That definition inspires warmth and comfort, just reading the words. It is also speculated that hygge might originate from the word hug. Hug comes from the 1560s word hugge, which means “to embrace”.

I like both meanings, which combined would mean “to embrace the tradition that gives courage, comfort and joy.” That seems to sum up the practice of hygge well.

Winter Hygge Ideas

In keeping with the tradition I began in the spring, tonight I came up with 15 winter hygge ideas. I have a cat snuggled up on my lap, that I hate to disturb. So this evening I created a list. Tomorrow I’ll cut 15 slips of paper and write an activity on each one. Folded, those pieces of paper will go into a container.

I’ll reach in and draw out a slip of paper each day, for seven days, beginning December 21…the first day of winter. This type of seemingly random game is fun for me and grows my faith. I’m well aware that Christmas falls within that seven day span. It will be interesting to see how the activities play out.

As I considered a container for the folded papers, the vintage German biscuit jar came to mind. I love the idea of using the jar to hold activities that inspire coziness.

15 Activities

I will select from the following winter hygge activities;

1. Visit a local art gallery.

2. Create a vegan hot chocolate.

3. Build a bonfire.

4. Take a walk in nature, no matter the temperature, and take winter photos.

5. Try a new soup recipe.

6. Watch a favorite movie from my childhood.

7. Put together a fun, fresh layered look, using clothes I already own.

8. Have a cozy evening with warm pjs, a pile of blankets, a hot drink, a book and candlelight.

9. Create a winter playlist of songs.

10. Pick up a new pair of cozy socks.

11. Invite family to a game night with healthy snacks.

12. Write out intentions for 2019. Dream big and record thoughts in my journal.

13. Attend a winter festival, performance, play or concert.

14. Plan changes and additions to garden.

15. Learn something new, via an online course, book or in person class.

Living the Hygge Lifestyle

This year has flown by it seems. And yet when I take a look back, I see how much I’ve accomplished and how far I’ve come.

Wrapping up the year with a week of hygge activities ends 2018 in the best possible way, nurturing myself and creating coziness around me. It feels like a comforting hug, a warm embrace, to myself. Play along with me, creating your own list of winter hygge ideas.

Let’s welcome winter.