By Kathleen Little

Historically, I have never been a winter person. For years, the idea of frigid temperatures (and even worse, snow) brought on a feeling of claustrophobia and the "winter blues." I know I'm not alone in these sentiments because of how many "snowbirds" migrate to more temperate locals when the seasons change. However, in the past few years, I have become familiar with a mood-saving ideology that helps to keep the darkest time of the year a little brighter: hygge. 

Hygge (pronounced hue-gah or hoo-gah) is a Scandinavian term that loosely translates to "cozy" or "comfortable", but means so much more than that. The word itself is Danish in origin and many describe it as the ethos of Denmark. Hygge, as a concept, knows no borders and is a major part of life for those across Finland, Norway, Sweden, and northern Germany. It is simultaneously a noun, adjective, and verb. It is a lifestyle, a decorating scheme, a mantra, and a goal. So what is hygge? 

Do you remember being a child playing in the cold, and when you returned home you wrapped up in a warm blanket fresh from the dryer? That is hygge. Have you ever been outside doing a day's worth of yard work and afterward had the best shower of your life? That's hygge. Have you ever taken a chilly, difficult hike followed by a cup of tea that seemed way better than usual? That's hygge. 

I've read a hundred articles about hygge that sum it up as being "the art of winter comfort," showing a cocoa recipe, and frequently giving links to off-brand Ikea-like furniture and fairy lights (not that I don't love both of those things). Very few of the domestic explanations include the Scandinavian ideas of "feeling the cold so that you may enjoy the warmth," "quality of time, things, and conversation," and simplicity. Obviously, this ethos came to be in the same way that necessity is the mother of invention; if you live in the land of ice castles, you'd better learn how to like the cold… And if they can do it in the Arctic Circle, by golly, I can do it here! 

Since hygge is so ethereal, the best way to explain it may very well be through examples… 

Feeling the Cold…

• “Catch the (snow)drift!” - If you are an activity-driven outdoor enthusiast, you’re in luck! Hygge comes from the land of winter sports and our region is home to some of the best slopes a skier or snowboarder could dream of. Not much for agility? Grab a snow tube or sled. Ready for a cross-country adventure? Strap on some snowshoes. 
• “Looking out my back door” - You don’t have to mount up or even pack a bag to have an outdoor excursion. Just get on your coat and boots and observe your yard. I mean, really pay attention to the small details of nature. Take note of the bare branches, dormant mounds of dirt and/or snow, the kinds of birds and the way they call each other. You needn’t be an expert in flora and fauna to notice the presence of small changes in your immediate world if you take tiny moments in the cold to be present every day or two. 
• “Do you want to build a snowman?” - Play! This is the easiest way to enjoy the winter. Make a few snowballs, build a snowman or snow castle, play a chilly game of fetch with your dog, or grab a frisbee and a friend. Just go have some frigid fun without any stress.
• “Follow the sun” - Have a coffee date with the sunrise by taking your cup of Joe out on the porch. Let the cold morning air open your eyes and fill your lungs. Have a cozy tea outside during the evening twilight to signal your brain that it is time to rest. Find the moon and take a minute to stare at the night sky. 

To Enjoy the Warmth…

• Declutter - Simplicity is one of the key aspects of hygge, just as it is to much of Scandinavian culture. In order to be able to channel a sense of calm, it is best to remove unnecessary clutter. So recycle those old catalogs, put the appliances away instead of leaving them on the counter, and get rid of unwanted tchotchkes. This promotes an environment that is clean to the eye, but also easier to actually clean quickly.
• Decorate - Hygge decor is warm and cozy, inviting restful bliss. Layer blankets on your sofas and armchairs. Light your fireplace and decorative candles. Bring in a pretty branch and decorate it with fairy lights. Create a spa-like environment in your bathroom with all those bath salts and lotions you’ve been saving for a rainy day. Make simmer pots on the kitchen stove with cinnamon, apples, citrus, and rosemary. Embrace the aesthetic of folk, cottage living.
• Dress the Part - There’s nothing better than comfy clothes, and hygge agrees. This is the life of sweaters and leggings or fleecy sweats (even better if they just came out of the dryer). Invest in a few pairs of cable-knit socks and a pair of nice slippers. Pull out your flannel PJs and sheets for a great night of sleep. 
• What’s Cooking? - A hygge menu consists of homemade soups and stick-to-your-rib one-pot meals. Bring on your beef stews, chicken soups, and chilis. Sip on warm cinnamon teas and other hot beverages in a favorite mug that warms your hands.
• Quality Time - While it would be easy to use the dark times of winter to binge-watch streaming services, a hygge lifestyle seeks more thought-provoking amusement. Enjoy your family by skipping the news for a round of rummy, a puzzle, some trivia cards, or just a cordial talk. If you’re alone, call a friend or relative to catch up, read a new book, or watch a classic film. This is the perfect time to pick up a new hobby like knitting, felting, or model-making.

Interested in adding more hygge to your lifestyle, but need more ideas? Visit our page at www.outdoorssw.com for inspiration. There you will find winter adventures, tips for observing nature, local folk arts, and bone-warming recipes. Enjoy the rest of your winter!