Learn How to Hygge with These 5 Tips

By now you've read or heard the word hygge. You've probably envied the Danes for having a word to describe the feeling of being in front of a fire on a wintry day, the hug-like feeling of warm woolen socks, of sipping hot chocolate while the snow's falling outside. There's no direct English translation for hygge. Cozy is the closest, but hygge is deeper than that. It's a lifestyle. For North America, the end of January is typically the coldest, so let's embrace everything hygge.

How to Hygge

• Favorite people Family, friends, being alone. Being cozy means being with those people and things you love. Gather them together for an afternoon snow-shoeing followed by a warm evening together sipping hot drinks and enjoying conversation. Or go it alone: hide away and spend time that's perfectly you with your favorite things and not have a care for anyone else (it's not selfish if it's only some of the time.)
• Blankets, lots of blankets Sure, a jacket would keep you warm, but would it keep you hygge? There's something about being wrapped in a blanky that just makes everything better. Strip the bedclothes or grab a throw blanket and curl up.
• A fire place It's that flickering light and crackle that epitomizes hygge. We accept that fireplaces aren't the most practical or environmentally friendly, so perhaps cuddle up to a gas fire or turn up the heating and play a fire video on loop. Most even have the crackling soundtrack to make it realistic.
• A warm drink of choice Grab a mug and fill it with your favorite hot beverage. Start sipping. It's the feeling of comfort as the warmth flows through you. Tea, hot cocoa, mulled wine, it's whatever makes you hygge.
• A good book We considered skipping this, after all, we know hygge = books. But, well, books.

Need more inspiration on how to hygge? Check out the titles below.

Read more by Bianca Smith