Winter is coming, y’all. Can you feel the creep? Last year, I told my husband “I’m kinda excited for wintertime,” and we can mark that as the most unfamiliar thing I’ve said. This year I’m changing my word excited, to ready.
I enjoyed the cold weather for a few weeks last year, but it got old fast; a few weeks of drinking hot tea while staring out the window, of wrapping in a blanket to read a book, and of sitting by the snow-filled window with a lit candle, then I was over it. I simply prefer to exercise outside and go on walks with my family more than I do wearing three layers of clothes and freezing my butt off.
But we’re going to make the best of it! Right?
The Danish have a word for those first weeks of my winter mindset, before I start my cycle of lament: hygge (“hue-gah”). In essence, hygge is when you create a comfortable, cozy sanctuary for yourself amid the fast world and your busy life. Hygge focuses on doing simple things like lighting candles, spending time with loved ones, baking, and whatever else puts a comfy smile on your face. My goal this year, really, is hygge. I feel it in those first few weeks of winter, but how about making it last all the way through? I’m trying, at least. Who’s with me?