Hygge For the Holidays

The hustle, the bustle, the overwhelming bombardment of sales, cider, and snow...it must be Christmas!

Even if you're not the goes-all-out-with-sparkling-accessories-party-hosting type, and are more the snuggled-up-by-the-fire-with-wool-socks-and-a-steaming-beverage type, either way odds are you long for a little holiday cheer around the house.

Even though I'll always be a California girl at heart, I've learned to adjust to the changing temperatures and embrace the cold snowy months here in the Rocky Mountains. But it's only been in the past few years that I've learned so much about HYGGE - a Danish concept of coziness and contentment - and actually looked forward to being bundled up all winter!

Hygge isn't only for winter months, but there's not much that says "hygge" better than a crackling fire, cozy blanket, and the smell of evergreens, all while snow falls softly outside your frosted window glass.

Remember, hygge is all about the small, sweet things in life. In fact, having a big party and spending all your time prepping and worrying about the details is completely the opposite of what one should be aiming for!

Are you ready to embrace winter and all the hygge goodness? Here are a few ideas to get you started!

Get out the "special" dishes and eat dinner by candlelight. The food doesn't need to be fancy, just enjoy an easy paced meal with beautiful ambiance.
Add fresh pine sprigs to your faux garlands for festive aroma. Many tree lots sell bundles of small branches for a few dollars.
Grab some blankets, turn off all the lights, and watch your favorite holiday movie together with only the glow of your twinkle lights.
Invite rainbows inside to brighten the winter months by hanging prisms in your windows (Amazon link to my favorites).
Turn your phones off between dinner and the kids' bedtime - enjoy uninterrupted time together.
Add twinkle lights in unexpected places - inside a large vase (battery operated), in a garland across your kitchen window, on a tray with hot cocoa mugs and sprigs of pine or cedar, in all your regular plant pots (I put some in my hanging fern!).
Have a Christmas Camping night and let the kids sleep under the Christmas tree.
Try ice skating outdoors (bonus if it's on a pond or frozen lake).

Remember, true hygge isn't about a ton of prep or fancy looking crafts or decor.

Whether you're simply wearing cozy socks and reading a good book, or laughing and eating good food with your family, hygge will see you through this winter.

Hugs & High Fives

♥ Holly