Winter has some terrible qualities, particularly if you live in an area that’s icy, slushy, or gray. But the season is a good excuse to cuddle indoors under a cozy blanket, binge-watch TV shows, read something comforting (or thoughtful or thrilling), and treat yourself to a snack.
When I heard the term hygge for the first time, I was captivated. It’s a Danish word that’s defined in a variety of ways, including “the art of building sanctuary and community,” “coziness,” and “making everyday moments more meaningful or special.” It may be a distant cousin to our English word hug. And it’s a term that’s become en vogue in recent years, particularly in the coldest months.
Since we’re in the depths of Midwest winter, with weeks of frigid weather to get through, I’ve declared this Hygge Week at The Smart Domestic. I asked some friends for suggestions on simple pleasures, and they’ve obliged with recommendations.
To kick things off, I’m recommending some creature comforts to help set the mood for us.
DRINK
We’re partial to Earl Grey tea in our house, but I also like herbal tea for late-night sipping. I’m eyeing this honeybush hazelnut as a caffeine-free option. (The tea shop I’ve linked is owned by a co-worker here in Ohio.)
If you’re a coffee drinker, I endorse A Love Supreme blend by Chicago’s Dark Matter Coffee. You deserve good coffee in your life, and this one is my all-time favorite with notes of cocoa, walnut, and cherry. If you want to slum it with something from your local grocery store or Amazon, I like Peet’s light roast. I’m also a sucker for novelty mugs, and this one by Adam J. Kurtz is my current “mug wishlist.”
EAT
Whimsy and Spice is an online sweets shop based in New York, and I’d like to try the chocolate butterscotch bars or some of their chocolate shortbread cookies.
If you prefer the Amazon Prime route, you can always go for some sea-salt caramel chocolates.
SNUGGLE
We have many throw blankets; I endorse this soft, machine-washable blanket as an all-purpose one (it’s often commissioned for pillow-fort building here). If I splurged on something new, I’d go for this modern blanket made of recycled fiber.
Who’s ready to get hygge? What’s your secret for staying cozy during dreary weather (or when you need some self-soothing nights at home)?