The principles of Hygge may be all the rage now but it’s been a part of my whole life. Although I am not a Dane, my family hales from Sweden and the Hygge lifestyle is alive and well there. I grew up with the gift of Hygge and am so thankful to be able to share my suggestions for Autumn Hygge Must-Haves.
Sit down, light a candle, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and enjoy reading about how you can intentionally bring Hygge into your home.
hyg·ge
/ˈh(y)o͞oɡə,ˈho͝oɡə/
noun
a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).
“why not follow the Danish example and bring more hygge into your daily life?”
Autumn Hygge Must-Haves
Nature Elements
The natural elements in my home come from all the nature walks we take as a family. I am particularly partial to acorns, pinecones, and bird nests! When my children were young it was all about rocks, especially those big enough that they could take home and try to crack open to see what it looked like inside. They also enjoyed painting them! No matter what style your home decor is natural elements will fit in and add a serenity that only natural elements can add to a home. Take a family walk today and see if you can find grapevine, tall grass with seed heads on it, or even Autumn berries!
Handicraft
Why not take a moment today and ask your family members if they want to learn how to knit, embroider, or cross-stitch, and how about woodcarving? Learning the life skills of our forefathers is a great way to link the past and the present. Find out what handicraft Granny participated in and make the task all the more enjoyable! Unplug and enjoy the slow steady process of creating something that you will treasure.
Warm Socks
I am partial to wool socks! OK, they can be itchy sometimes but for warmth, you can’t beat them! If they itch, put on a light cotton pair of socks underneath the wool ones. Check these charming wool socks out! My daughters and I have had these socks for over a year and they are so comfortable, have no holes in them and they don’t itch! Check out my Instagram feed for pictures.
Candles and Natural Light
Open those curtains and let the natural light into your home and while you’re at it open the windows for at least 15 minutes a day to refresh the air in your home. While I am a huge advocate for using essential oils to scent your home, a diffuser just doesn’t have the ambiance that a candle has. I simply adore candles and make sure I only have healthy, life-giving candles in my home. Always use common sense safety precautions when using anything flammable and never leave a candle burning unattended. Get my favorite DVTD Candle HERE or make your own DIY beeswax candles HERE.
Coffee or Tea
Make time for a coffee break in your day. We Swedes call it FIKA and you don’t want to miss this wonderful Hygge practice. I find that FIKKA is a soothing part of my daily routine (about 3 in the afternoon is perfect) add a healthy homebaked treat to make it extra special!
Board Game or Puzzle
My adult children get together for Friday Game Night every week and have a wide array of board game favorites. It can get a little competitive and cause a ruckus but I dearly love to hear all the laughter! Regrettably, I am tired of playing board games after raising six children but I still love puzzles! That reminds me, I need to pick a puzzle for Fall.
Soft Blankets and Pillows
I am a stickler for making sure almost everything in my home is made with natural fibers and this includes cozy wool, linen, hemp, and cotton throws, and pillows. I also highly suggest investing in down pillows! Here is a money-saving tip…I get all my down pillow inserts at my local Goodwill for a dollar apiece! You won’t regret the investment because natural fibers always soften with age! Did I mention they are biodegradable too?
Sheepskin
My favorite gift last Christmas was a lambswool skin. Everyone in the house enjoyed snuggling in all Winter long so grab a good book and you won’t need to move for hours! The lanolin in the sheepskin will even soften your skin.
Live Plants
Autumn means that I slowly bring my potted garden plants inside to avoid the frost. My favorite plant to have inside is my white geraniums, which bloom all Winter long! Make sure to add the one plant that you need to reduce indoor toxins.
Indoor or Outdoor Fireplace
I have lived in a historic farmhouse for the past 20 years and can you believe that it doesn’t have a fireplace? It was built in 1903 with several “modern” woodstoves. It is the one thing that my husband and I always comment is the only thing that is missing in our lovely home. Never fear we have an outdoor firepit so we can Hygge on! Pull out some marshmallows and spend some family time in front of a fire. There is just something so peaceful about snuggling under some wool blankets and watching a fire burn. Heavenly…
Popcorn or Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Make and eat popcorn or roasted pumpkin seed once a week this Fall and watch a movie because who doesn’t want to eat munchies and watch a good film? Use real butter and salt of course!
Walks in the Woods
The University of Hong Kong has been busy researching the benefits of walking in the woods. They include reducing stress and depression, boosting your immune system, reducing symptoms of ADHD as well as helping your mind to stay focused. No matter where you live, take some time for family walks and talks in the woods. Bring bags and collect anything that looks interesting that has fallen on the ground, start a collection, or research the variety of nuts you were able to find.
Mulled Cider
Make a crockpot full of Mulled Apple Cider. It will taste wonderfully delicious and make your home smell amazing. This is such a simple, easy, and seasonal treat. Make sure to try making Mulled Cider at least once this Autumn. I don’t think I have ever met anyone who didn’t like the warm cozy feeling and taste of Mulled Cider.
YOUR TURN…
What is your Autumn Hygge Must-Haves?
Blessings,
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Good Post! I love all aspects of hygge!
Thanks, Kayleigh, I love to hygge too!
I actually liked reading this article. Now and again I run into content that can make me want to start bloggin myself. Thank you!