Ways to Welcome Winter More Joyfully
I'll admit that I was one of the folks that got sucked into the hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) trend when it was all the rage a few years ago. If you're not familiar with hygge, it's a Scandinavian cultural tradition focused on creating warmth, coziness, conviviality and a sense of calm for yourself and those around you. Think long chats with friends and family by the fire, steaming cups of hot cocoa and tea, burrowing under soft chunky blankets, and candlelight. And though winter still isn’t my favorite season, I found that applying the principles of hygge to my life really helped me to welcome winter more readily. Here are a few hygge things that have worked for me, that may also (hopefully) work for. you!
Shift your mindset
The first thing I did was to reframe the way I think about winter. Instead of thinking of winter as a cold and dead season, I now think of it as a time for me to mimic nature. It’s a time to slow down a bit and turn towards activities that encourage self-reflection. If summer is the time to be active and outside, winter is the time to rest, restore and reflect.
Light candles in the evenings
Candlelight makes everything cozy, and it’s one way that I make my space feel a little more warm and inviting during the winter. I use both scented and unscented candles and place them throughout my home. As the sun begins to set, I make a point to start lighting candles rather than relying entirely on electric lighting. The result is cozy, warm and relaxing. If you can’t use candles due to small children or pets, try to use only one soft lamp in your room, or install dimmers around the house so you can control the intensity of light.
Spend time with friends and family
Because winter can make many of us feel a bit more withdrawn, it’s important to make a special effort and spend time with those we love. One of my favorite things to do during the winter months is to gather friends together for a night of board games. I’ll cook a big pot of chili and we’ll play for hours. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening, and doesn’t take much planning.
Make your home smell fantastic
Making my home smell inviting always makes returning after being out in the cold a little bit more delightful. You can use candles or you can place some fresh spices like cloves and cinnamon along with fruit peels into a pot of water and bubble that on your stove or in a slow cooker at a low simmer. Just remember to check on it regularly so you can refill the water when it gets low.
Find a relaxing project, hobby or activity to focus on
Have you had a new hobby or project you’ve been wanting to try? Winter is a great time to explore activities you’ve always been curious about, or to delve deeper into activities you already enjoy.
Treat Yourself
During the winter I like to keep a few favorite things on hand to perk myself up.. I make sure to have a stock of favorite teas, hot cocoa, and snacks to help support a feeling of coziness and joy throughout the winter. This time of year is also a great time to do nice things for yourself, whether it be getting flowers from the grocery store, having an at-home spa day, or ordering that book you’ve been wanting to read for a long time.
Snuggle up in warm clothing and get outside
Heading out and getting some sunlight, even if it's only for a few minutes each day, can be a great mood booster and another way to keep you connected to the small joys that winter brings. If you enjoy daily walks, try to do continue them through the colder months and do them more mindfully. Pay attention to how your neighborhood changes throughout the season. What wildlife do you notice? What are the trees doing? Additionally, making sure that you have the right clothing for colder weather will make a huge impact in how much you enjoy getting out and about.
And that’s it! As we move towards winter, try to embrace it as a time for moving a bit more slowly. You might be surprised at the difference it makes.
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hi there, I’m angi the founder of roam & gather. My mission is to curate joy-centered, small group journeys that are relaxed, intimate, and rooted in culture, community and slowness.
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