You’ve got two ways to go about the winter season- the hard way and the less-hard way. There’s no doubt about it, winter brings a bit of hardship but it’s our mindset that can make winter a special time of year – a time to slow down. 

And, oh my dear, have I learned a thing or two about slowing down, whether I wanted to or not.   My surrounding wilderness taught me this, very soon after I settled in for the winter, simply by contrast.

In summer, you can hear and feel the busy pulse of the Boundary Waters- birds singing, fish jumping, the warmth of a July sun calling out the freckles on your face. My family’s summer camp is in session, which brings with it the promise of adventure, a vibrant energy of kids eagerly preparing to run rapids and portage canoes. 

In winter, the only pulse you can hear sometimes is the beat of your own heart. The forest trades its rich colors for a blanket of dazzling snow and the bears bed down until spring. The magic of summer shifts to a simple and undeniable wonder, best showcased by the northern lights. 

Living so remotely, in my little cabin, I don’t have much of a choice but to slow down in tandem with the wilderness outside my window. I simply don’t have the option to run a bunch of errands or make endless appointments or pop into town for a night out. There’s no hustle and bustle in camp anymore either. 

And that inevitable slow down has made one thing clear, I can either embrace winter or fight it but if I fight it…i’m going to be miserable. I don’t love that “blah” feeling that winter has brought me in years past so I’ve figured out how to embrace the season. 

It’s a lifestyle called HYGGE!

Scandinavian people pronounce it HOO-gah. The Danish consider it the art of coziness. Danes are known to be some of the happiest people in the world (despite having some of the harshest winters) so whatever they’re selling, I’m buying!

Plus, if you know me, I’ve never needed an excuse to be cozy. Perhaps, I was a house cat in a past life? So, as my southern friends would say, I jumped on this idea “like a duck on a June bug.”

Ok, so what the heck is Hygge?

Maybe you’ve heard the term before? Maybe you’ve been sold some cozy socks or chunky blankets under the promise of hygge? (*raises hand)

However, hygge isn’t about consumerism. At the heart of it, it’s about the three C’s:

• Contentment
• Comfort
• Connection

These three qualities seem to illuminate the Danish soul and way of life. Hygge is about creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with people you value. 

Hygge exemplifies that slowing down doesn’t mean we have to abandon our goals. It simply means we sidestep the hectic nature of the twenty-first century for a season to be present and indulgent. It brings into focus the things that are important to us, which we often miss.

Of course, you can employ this lifestyle year round but with the big slow down that winter brings there is no better time to embrace it.

How do I live Hygge?

You don’t have to live in a cabin in the woods, like me, to put hygge to the test! Remember, simplicity is a pillar of this concept. I don’t want you going out to buy enough blankets to drown an elephant! I want you to read these few tips and then fall into the rhythm of hygge in the most accessible way for you this winter.

So, I’ll cut to the chase, here’s how you can experience your own hygge:

1. Create a warm and inviting environment

I’m talking candles people! Twinkle lights, fire if you have a fireplace, soft yellow light…you get the idea. I’ve made my cabin into a twinkle light covered, candlelit, fireside haven but you don’t need to go nuts like me. A candle at your desk or some string lights above your bed would do the trick. Winter can be long and dark so this is an important step to brighten the season. 

Warm lighting is a big component but you can’t forget things like blankets, rugs, slippers, mirrors to reflect the flickering candles, and a good beverage. Comfort, comfort, comfort!

Pro-tip: if you don’t have a fireplace, Wood Wick candles are second best!

In a nutshell, if there’s an element of your space that would make you want to curl up with a book, chat with a friend, or watch your favorite show with loved ones it’s hygge approved! This does not need to cost you an arm and a leg (if anything at all) but you’d be wise to spend time mindfully creating a welcoming space.

2. Partake in simple pleasures

This might be different for you than it is for me. A simple pleasure to me would be getting swept away by a good book. 

For you, it might be playing cards with your cousins, going for a drive, or sitting at the window identifying birds with a pair of binoculars. I like to lay in the sauna for a good while.

This is where contentment comes into play. The idea is to relax and be at home without life’s worries, partaking in simple pleasures that fill your soul! 

3. Be present with others

Connection is the vital pillar of hygge, without it you can’t feel the weight and warmth of this Danish way of life. 

Put your phones away and turn off the to-do list running through your mind. Set the intention to be present with the people in the room before you open your door.

Some ways you might invite connection:

• Host a dinner party or perhaps brunch
• Go sledding with your friends
• Have a winter bonfire
• Spend some quality time with your hunny
• Invite friends and family over for a game night
• Make up an excuse to celebrate something (Happy Second Tuesday of February! Woohoo!)
• Bring a friend coffee and stay to chat

4. Getting outdoors with the intention to savor the experience of coming indoors

This is my favorite one! It is so important to get outdoors and enjoy all that winter has to offer but doing it with a cozy return in mind makes the experience even sweeter!

When I’m trying to build a fire in the back country and I’m having a hard time getting the kindling to go up in flames, it makes me smile to think of the cozy cabin I will go home to or the beer my dad picked up earlier that day and will be waiting to share with me. 

It also forces me to appreciate how alive the cold makes me feel. This contrast is all about appreciation and richness, a far underrated experience!

But with this one, remember, there’s no bad weather just bad clothes! To enjoy the outdoors please dress accordingly. 

5. Do your best not to rush, overdo, or deny  

Hygge is all about being kind to yourself. We’re all guilty of running ourselves ragged at times, over committing, and depriving only to yoyo into overindulgence. Breaking out of those trends and opting to indulge a little is what this is all about.  

Don’t deny or punish yourself. Slow down to match the rhythm of the wilderness and appreciate who you are, your surroundings, and the people in your life. 

With all that being said, hygge was never meant to be translated or defined. Hygge was always meant to be felt! 

So, please…go feel it’s warm embrace. I promise you’ll have a better winter!

Stay cozy,