Let’s be real; winter can be a challenging time of year. I strive to be a glass-half-full type of person, but living in the Midwest, where temperatures drop significantly, can test anyone’s optimism. The biting cold can feel unbearable, especially when you’re faced with months of frigid air and limited daylight.
This winter feels particularly harsh, perhaps due to the early snowfall or the seasonal blues creeping in. Since relocating to a warmer climate isn’t on my agenda, and time travel to spring remains a fantasy, it looks like I—along with everyone else braving the chill—need to find a way to survive these upcoming months. So, how do we make the best of it?
Recently, I discovered a cozy concept called “hygge.” Rooted in Danish culture, hygge is all about embracing comfort, warmth, and quality time with loved ones. Think cozy evenings spent with friends over casual meals, wrapped in soft blankets, surrounded by flickering candles, and enjoying fresh-baked cookies. The very notion of “snickerdoodle” brings a smile to my face.
Hygge appeals to my introverted nature, as it encourages staying in and savoring life’s simple pleasures. But what exactly is hygge, and can it genuinely improve our winter experience?
According to various sources, including Time magazine, hygge—pronounced “hoo-gah”—is a lifestyle centered on positivity and the enjoyment of everyday moments. Who couldn’t use a bit more positivity, especially in today’s world? Given the emotional toll of life and the chaos that can accompany the holiday season, embracing the ordinary sounds enticing. Plus, the pronunciation itself—hoo-gah—has a playful ring to it.
While hygge has been a cherished concept in Nordic countries for centuries, it recently gained traction in the UK and the United States. This surge in popularity might be attributed to the hipster movement, but it also reflects a collective yearning for warmth and comfort during the winter months. In fact, there are over 5 million #hygge posts on Instagram, and it was even a contender for the Oxford Dictionary’s 2016 Word of the Year (though the winning word was “post-truth,” which might explain our need for hygge even more).
Experts in hygge, such as Sophie Lindner, author of The Art of Hygge: How to Create a Cozy Life, note that there are deeper psychological reasons behind this cozy trend. “In uncertain times, people are drawn to simple pleasures and self-care,” she explains. “Hygge is about enjoying what you can control amid the chaos.”
Though hygge is more of a lifestyle than a product, that hasn’t stopped marketers from jumping on the bandwagon. This winter, countless books on hygge have been published, and many retailers are selling products that promise to enhance your cozy experience, from candles to comfy blankets.
For me, the high-maintenance version of hygge isn’t necessary. I’m more inclined to grab some warm socks, light a lavender-scented candle, and snuggle up on the couch in my pajamas. Honestly, that sounds like the perfect way to hygge my way to spring.
So, could embracing hygge make winter more bearable? It’s worth a try.
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In summary, hygge is a beautiful concept that encourages us to find joy in life’s simple moments. By embracing this cozy lifestyle, perhaps we can change our perspective on winter and make it a season of comfort rather than dread.