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Hygge was a new word to me late last year. I came across it while trying to find ways to enjoy the winter. If I was going to spend a few months living in this winter wonderland, I should try to make the most of it and enjoy it. In the past I would try to ignore it, hibernate from it, or wish it away. I decided this year should be different.
Check out the definition from the Oxford Dictionary.
Hygge: pronounced hoo-ga (Yeah…it's fun to say!)
Noun.
A quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture)
I find it means so much more. Just type Hygge into a Pinterest search to see everything that comes up.
Mostly what I've learned from this new word, or way of life is to embrace the seasons including winter rather than wish it away. It's purposefully creating and appreciating the "cozy". The best time of year to appreciate cozy things is winter!
As Canadians living in a cold snowy winter for a good part of the year I'm not sure why we don't often have a similar mentality. Sure, some of us like winter, some of us hate it. Some of us struggle with seasonal defective disorders, lack of vitamin D and other winter related negative feelings.
I've created a list of intentional things we can do this winter to appreciate the season instead of wishing it away.
Here's a few things you can try:
Take the time to go outside into the cold. It makes coming inside that much sweeter. Plus I've learned that if you dress for the weather, good boots, mittens, and a hat, it's not so bad out there.
Notice the way your hands feel when you hold that warm cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate
If you have the opportunity to sit by a fire - do it, feel it's warmth
Light candles and watch their flickery glow
Invite close friends over for good conversation
Prepare a home cooked meal to enjoy with your family
Get lost in a good book, and then another, and another
Draw or paint a picture, create
Snuggle up under a warm throw blanket
Eat a good bowl of soup
Try something new outdoors, or something you haven't done in a few years - build a snow fort or snowman, go tobogganing, ice skating, skiing, etc.
Make a raclette meal or fondue and invite your friends over to join you.
So far I've found that this winter has been much more enjoyable than some of the winters past. Changing your outlook changes the way you feel. Pay attention and notice the little things. Appreciate the simplicity of it all. Take this time to quiet your life and slow down before the busyness of spring starts again.
Today is Ground Hog Day, so whether we end up with a longer winter or a shorter one let's embrace the rest of this winter and make it cozy, joyful and peaceful.
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