I strive to maintain a positive outlook, really, I do. But let’s be honest—winter is just not my favorite season. Living just outside Chicago, I endure months of frigid temperatures that could easily be described as “snot-freezing.” With the wind and darkness encompassing so much of the day, it can certainly feel like a struggle.
This year, my feelings toward winter have intensified. From an unexpected snowfall on Halloween to the looming shadow of seasonal affective disorder, it seems like this winter is shaping up to be particularly harsh. A move to a warmer climate isn’t in the cards, and time travel to spring isn’t an option, so I, along with others who aren’t blessed with San Diego-like weather, must figure out how to endure the next few months.
Recently, I stumbled upon a delightful concept called “hygge.” This cozy Danish tradition revolves around self-care, gratitude, and simple pleasures. Think intimate dinners at home with friends, soft blankets, flickering candles, fluffy socks, and the sweet scent of snickerdoodles fresh from the oven. The very idea of “snickerdoodle” brings a smile to my face.
As an introvert, hygge speaks to me, providing an excuse to stay indoors and enjoy a peaceful retreat from the outside world. But what exactly is hygge, and can it truly lighten the winter blues?
According to Time magazine, hygge—pronounced “hoo-gah”—is a lifestyle that focuses on positivity and cherishing everyday moments. And who couldn’t use a bit more positivity these days? With the chaotic state of the world, embracing simple, everyday joys feels essential. Honestly, I’m often too unmotivated to pursue anything beyond the ordinary, and the fun pronunciation of hygge—hoooooo-gaaaahhhh—makes it even more appealing.
While hygge has been a part of Nordic culture for centuries, its popularity has surged in the UK and the US, fueled by the hipster trend that romanticizes cozy living. It’s become so fashionable that there are over 5 million #hygge posts on Instagram, and it was even shortlisted for the 2016 Oxford Dictionary Word of the Year. Ironically, the winning word was “post-truth,” which only heightens our need for hygge.
Experts like Mia Thompson, who wrote The Art of Hygge: Embracing Cozy Living, point to deeper psychological reasons behind hygge’s rise. She explains that people are feeling uncertain about the future and yearn to care for themselves. “While we can’t control external chaos, we can control our environments,” she says. “Hygge is about savoring the moments that matter.”
Despite hygge being more of a lifestyle than a product, it hasn’t escaped commercialism. Reports indicate that numerous books on the topic have been released recently, and retailers are cashing in on the trend with cozy goods like candles, beauty products, and mulled wine marketed specifically to hygge enthusiasts.
As for me, I prefer to keep things simple. I crave warm socks, a lavender-scented candle, and the comfort of staying in my pajamas. That’s the kind of hygge that can make winter feel a little more bearable!
Perhaps winter won’t be so dreadful after all.
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In summary, hygge is a lifestyle rooted in enjoying the little things, making it a wonderful way to cope with winter’s challenges. Embracing this cozy philosophy might make the season feel a bit less daunting.