Some people love the winter. Others may not find it so appealing and may also suffer from sadness during that time. I came across the concept of 'Hygge' a few years ago. It has helped me change my perspective of winter.

So what is Hygge? In short, it's a Danish way of living that focuses on hunkering down in the winter and creating a safe, comforting and warm place to while away cold, wet evenings, whether you're at home solo or entertaining. It sounds a lot like the English word 'hug', which is thought to have Scandinavian roots and defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as "to cherish oneself; to keep or make oneself snug"

Hygge is “creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people.”

The word Hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah") is usually translated as coziness but it's not just about warm lighting and candles. Hygge promotes the idea of enjoying and indulging in the small good things in life – whether sitting round a table with friends and family or drinking a hot mug of tea by candlelight.

You can approach Winter as a time of reflection. Winter is characterized by the element of 'Water'. When water is still, as in a pond that has iced over, we can easily see our reflection. Water can also be fluid and moving. When we allow ourselves to move with the energy of the season, and not resist it, we are able to enjoy it better.

I've learned to change my perspective of winter. Although I don't like the cold, I've learned to embrace it. Several years ago I took up the hobby of knitting and have created some fancy shawls and sweater to enjoy wearing. To me, Hygge is like a big, warm, colorful sweater that makes me feel cozy and safe.

Here are a few things that you can do to bring more Hygge into your life.

Things you can do to hygge your winter.

Make my space more cozy and comfortable. What things can you add to your space? Candles, throw pillows and sofa blankets. Rugs over your bare floors are just a few things you can use. Maybe you can pull things out of storage or purchase something new.

Take a long walk outdoors Invite Friends (Socially distanced of course)

DIY Day Spa

Make try fizzy bath bombs or just throw in some Epsom salts and essential oil. Light a candle and buy a big soft comfy robe. Maybe try one of those charcoal clay masks

Journal writing - reflect on what the season means for you and ways you can enjoy it.

Read a book. Play Board Games with Family.

Make a winter bonfire - or use your outdoor fire pit.

Where will you make it. Will you invite anyone? Or, if you have a fireplace or an outside fireplace (even better) cozy up invite a few friends over for some friendly conversation around the fire. If you’re feeling festive you can roast marshmallows and make smores.

Connect with someone who is housebound.

These days there are many people who are isolated due to Covid. Reach out via Zoom or FaceTime and bring some joy to their day.

Who will you visit? Where do they live? What can you bring to brighten their day?

Embrace seasonal produce & cook more meals at home

Here are a few things in season: . Brussel sprouts, butternut squash (for soup), spinach, grapefruits, sweet potatoes. Make a big pot of soup or stew and enjoy its comforting feeling.

What are you going to buy? What will you cook with it?

Cozy up with your pet

If you’re an animal lover (as I am ) there isn’t anything cozier than snuggling up with your pet (dog, cat, even birds if they like to come out of their cage).

Plan a regular, on-going winter group activity

Sometimes a lack of connection can occur in the winter. People tend to stay home more and not go out. Make socializing and connection important. With social distance a must these days, you can wear your mask or, once again, create a cozy Zoom get together.

Get More Sun

Walk outdoors more often and take Vitamin D. We all need more Vitamin D which is what you get by being exposed to the sun. Even if you go out for a few minutes you are getting the ‘D’.

Embrace the “No Bad Weather, Only Bad Clothes” Rule

In Sweden (land of 4 pm sunsets and six months winter) there is a saying, “there is no bad weather, only bad clothing”. So pull out those cute and cozy sweaters, some warm leggings , silk long underwear, lined mittens and gloves and especially happy SOCKS!!! Which are becoming quite fashionable lately. And knitted hats with our without pompoms. And, learn to layer to keep warm.

So, invite a little 'Hygge' into your life and enjoy the rest of Winter.