Embracing Cozy Comforts in the Cold Season
Snuggling under a soft, furry blanket by the flickering warmth of a fire. Taking that first sip of a steaming cup of coffee as the morning frost glistens outside. Feeling the crisp winter air kiss your cheeks before retreating into the comforting embrace of your favorite fleece socks. Winter is a season for slowing down, savoring the little things, and creating a home that feels like a warm hug.
I feel like I should cue up Julie Andrews’ classic tune:
These are a few of my favorite things!
Because truly, these moments define the essence of winter bliss.
Welcome to Our Hygge-Inspired Winter Home
Have you ever come across the term hygge before?
Back in 2016, The New Yorker dubbed it The Year of Hygge. The New York Times advised us to shift our focus from Marie Kondo’s tidying philosophy to embracing hygge instead. Country Living even published a guide dedicated to all things hygge. And on Instagram? The hashtag #hygge has accumulated over 2.9 million posts, a testament to its widespread appeal.
The Oxford Dictionary defines hygge as:
“A quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being; regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture.”
Pronounced hue-gah, hygge is a way of life. It’s a noun, a verb, and an adjective, all wrapped up in the philosophy of appreciating the small, meaningful moments that bring warmth, joy, and connection.
How We Infuse Hygge Into Our Winter Home
My dear friend, Jessica from Honey n Hydrangea, had the wonderful idea to host a blog tour sharing how we incorporate hygge into our homes. I couldn’t be more thrilled to join in and offer a glimpse into the simple ways we cultivate warmth and coziness in our space.
The concept of hygge is not new to me, even though I only recently discovered the term. Creating a cozy, welcoming home has always been my priority. Finding joy in simple pleasures is my everyday approach to life, something I strive to pass on to my children.
Each morning, once the kids have headed off to school, I take a moment for myself. I pour a hot cup of coffee, settle by the kitchen window, and just breathe. Sometimes I spot a few deer wandering through the backyard, or a bright red cardinal perched on a snowy branch. These quiet, peaceful moments are my personal slice of hygge.
Lately, I’ve noticed my daughter adopting a similar ritual—she makes herself a cup of tea after school and sits in the same spot for a while. Seeing her embrace these small, comforting routines warms my heart.
Creating a Cozy Atmosphere in Our Home
Living in Massachusetts means experiencing all four seasons in their full glory—including long, cold winters. Our fireplace becomes the heart of our home, crackling away three or more nights a week from fall through spring. There is nothing quite like gathering in our little family room, wrapped in blankets, a glass of red wine in hand, and The Voice playing on TV. (Though, I’ll admit, a television isn’t exactly the pinnacle of hygge living!) But for me, this is perfection.
A Living Room Designed for Togetherness
One deliberate choice I made was keeping a television out of our main living room. Instead, this space is dedicated to face-to-face connection—playing cards or Scrabble, snacking on jellybeans, curling up with a good book (that one’s mostly me), or simply having real conversations. With three teenagers in the house, encouraging screen-free interaction has become more important than ever.
Soft Lighting & Candlelit Evenings
Once dusk settles in often as early as 4 PM in winter we switch on the lamps, light a few candles (okay, maybe all the candles), and layer on cozy throws. There’s something almost magical about the soft glow of candlelight, the flicker of a fireplace, and the comfort of warm layers. It transforms our home into a serene retreat from the outside world.
Are you a bit of a pyromaniac when it comes to candles too? Because I certainly am!
Embracing Imperfection & Finding Joy in the Little Things
One of the best lessons hygge has taught me is to appreciate my home as it is—imperfections and all. There will always be unfinished projects, rooms that need a refresh, and closets begging for organization. But instead of fixating on what’s not done, I choose to focus on what’s already wonderful.
There’s a unique beauty in embracing the present moment: the warmth of a knitted throw, the laughter shared over a board game, the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. These small joys are the essence of hygge.
Now, I’d love to hear from you—how do you make your home warm, cozy, and hygge? What little rituals or traditions bring you comfort in the winter months? Let’s share ideas and inspire each other!
Join the Hygge Winter Home Tour!
Be sure to visit these wonderful ladies for more cozy inspiration:
- Jessica | Honey n Hydrangea
- Dara | Hood Creek Log Cabin
- Nina & Cecilia | Nina & Cecilia
- Beth | 1111 Light Lane
- Martha | Simple Cozy Charm
- Yuni | Love Your Abode
- Kristin | White Arrows Home
- Kellie | Gratefully Vintage
Wishing you a cozy, comfy, and beautiful winter filled with warmth, love, and plenty of hygge! ❄️
