home | hygge: winter

As we slip deeper into the beginning of winter season, I am reminded of a word I recently heard defined. Hygge. I am seeing quite a few different definitions to this Danish word, but the theme I'm gathering is coziness, warmth, community, loving life's simple pleasures in this season. And as these lovely days get cooler and the darkness is longer, I find myself doing little intentional things to promote this feeling in my home. I thought I'd pass along a few ideas for keeping this season cozy, uplifting and finding the simple things to bring pleasure and togetherness in this season.

. lights-As it gets darker sooner and sooner, layer your warm lighting all around the house. Have a few lamps scattered around, light your fire place, bring those cafe lights off the deck and into your sun room, put fairy lights on your shelves and, of course, always have a candle going. I also strung lights under the cabinets in the kitchen, which brightens the room when cooking supper while it is dark outdoors. The warm glow is inspiring and uplifting.

. blankets-invest in a few cozy blankets that are welcoming as you curl up on the couch. Fold them up and place in a basket, or hang over your furniture for a quick grab whenever you have a minute to cozy up.

. books- one good thing to keep yourself mindful this season is to have books sprinkled around the home in easy to grab places. Opt for a few pages instead of scrolling through social media. Maybe set out a journal with a writing utensil nearby to jot a few thoughts here and there. Let your mind have some space to just wander and fill it with goodness from written word on physical pages.

. games- keep a couple of board games in easy reach and plain site. Perhaps on a coffee table or end table. When you are in the living room with another person, open up the game instead of flipping on the tv. Or, plan a night of the week to just relax with friends or family and play games.

. music- find or make a couple of playlists as your go-to for this season. I'd recommend having both a quiet, relaxing one and a more upbeat one for those winter blues.

. drinks- keep your pantry stocked with your favorite teas, hot cocoas, and coffee. Have a kettle on the stove ready to warm.

. meals-one helpful thing that I've started incorporating is freezing meals. If I make a pot of soup, I choose to double the recipe and freeze half for a day when nobody is in the mood to cook but everybody wants a homemade meal. Here are some of my favorite recipes to have on hand:

Quinoa and Sweet Potato Chili

Lentil and Black Bean Chili

No-Time Bread