Winter is here

The clocks have gone back, we had to scrape ice off our cars the other morning and the big coat has come out of its yearly retirement.

This can only mean one thing.  Winter is here.

As the dark nights draw in, we’re looking to the Danes. Frequently topping the polls as the happiest people on earth along with many other Scandinavian countries, it’s argued that their happiness is all down to hygge.

So, what is hygge? Pronounced ‘hoo-ga’ or ‘hue-gah’, hygge is a way of living. It can be translated in English as ‘cosiness’ or ‘togetherness’ but there is no literal translation. Instead it’s defined more as a feeling or mood rather than a specific word.

To help you bring more hygge in to your home this season, we’ve compiled five handy tips to embrace this cosy way of living.

1. Enjoy the little things

Recognising the small joys in life is important, whether it’s sliding into a hot bath after a long day or lighting a candle at the dinner table. Taking note of and appreciating these little moments of calm and contentment is key to embracing hygge.

2. Slow down

In our fast-paced and ever evolving tech-based society, take the time to slow things down. This applies to multiple situations, whether adding yoga to your routine, meditating or taking the time to cook slowly in your kitchen to enjoy the aromas. Bringing down the tempo of life can help us feel relaxed and at ease.

3. Get cosy

When we say cosy, we mean COSY. Combine soft candlelight with luscious textiles, hot bubble baths and your comfiest PJs. Or curl-up on the sofa with your favourite film and enjoy the space around you. Embrace these moments and feel the stresses of the day melt away.

4. Eat dinner by candlelight

Dinner is an occasion. If you’ve embraced recommendation number-three then you’ll have taken the time to cook a delicious meal. So now it’s time to sit down and take the time to enjoy it. Sitting down to a cosy, candle-lit dinner encourages us to be fully present in the experience and away from distractions of the TV or our phones.

5. Don’t over-think it, just enjoy it

Hygge is all about creating those little moments which enrich our daily lives so don’t over-think it. Spend time with loved ones, catch-up with coffee and cake, and take stock of what is most important. Embracing those crisp winter mornings only makes us appreciate warming up next to a roaring open fire even more.

We’re bringing hygge in to our homes this season and creating a cosy ambience with scented candles and textured throws. How will you be embracing hygge this winter?

We’ve made a Pinterest board to help you get started.