Incorporating hygge into your holiday season can be done just about anywhere. This Danish transition is one that lights us up from the inside and fills our hearts with gratitude and warmth. Whether it be the simplicity of everyday life or experiencing laughter and cheer with others, your friends here at Conklyn’s Florist, the top flower shop in Alexandria, are sharing seven steps to feeling comfortable in your home, more connected to loved ones, and thankful for the simple observations in our everyday.
Seven Steps to Holiday Hygge
Start with Your Environment
Practicing hygge for the holidays can easily begin by giving your environment a little TLC. Clean up the clutter and display cheerful, warm, and peaceful holiday decor, soft Christmas lights, sweet fragrant candles, and cozy textures, like thick blankets and fuzzy pillows. You can also bring in pieces of nature like fresh winter blooms. Poinsettias, lilies, roses, and hydrangea are tranquil, inspiring, and refreshing this time of year.
Get Comfortable
Finding comfort in your new spruced-up space is the next step in creating hygge. Before relaxing and sinking deep into your bed, recliner, couch, or nest of blankets on the floor, change into something cozy, like your favorite loungewear set and warm fuzzy socks. Then, rest against marshmallow-like pillows and find stillness, safety, tranquility, comfort, and gratitude in the simple moments that follow.
Find Joy in Your Favorite Meals & Holiday Treats
You can find hygge in the simple pleasures life has to offer, and this includes our favorite holiday meals and seasonal treats, like Christmas cookies, apple pie, coffee cake, hot cocoa, and specialty coffees. We don’t usually experience hygge by depriving ourselves of holiday indulgences that feed our souls. So, give yourself grace and permission to enjoy the goodies you crave, especially if your loved ones prepared them. Mindfully eat, drink, and be merry and grateful for the deliciousness and time spent with family and friends.
Indulge in a Relaxing Hobby
A clean, cozy home, soft and comfortable clothes, and no obligations is the perfect combination to find hygge in your hobbies. Do something today that makes you feel good, not necessarily accomplished and productive, but inspired, recharged, and happy. Spend time reading a book, crocheting or knitting, building a puzzle, playing games with your family, cuddling with your pet, scrapbooking, or diving into a new series on Netflix.
Spend Time with Mother Nature
Another part of hygge is observing, and what better way to practice taking in all that surrounds you than by going outside. While lacing up your hiking boots and setting off on an adventure is certainly an option, you can also take a quick stroll through your neighborhood to admire holiday lights, tend to the flowers in your garden or greenhouse, build a snowman, sip your morning coffee or tea on the porch, or marvel over a glistening stream, river, pond, or lake. As the cold air hits your lungs, you will be immediately drawn to the present moment and reminded to slow down, be still, and be at peace.
Enjoy the Company of Friends & Family
Prioritizing presence over presents can be challenging during the holidays. However, to truly experience hygge, clear your schedule and make time for the people you love most. The company of family and friends is precious and enjoying traditions, meals, and quality time together is what this season is all about. Be spontaneous with your loved ones, create new and original hot cocoa recipes, build a gingerbread house, get cozy by the fire, play games, laugh, and above all, share conversation.
Be Present
No matter if you are watching your favorite Christmas movie, taking a hike with your family, laughing with friends, or reading a book while you feel cozy by your fireplace, to truly find hygge this holiday season, appreciate these moments. Be present and give your undivided attention to those around you and your surroundings. This time of year, we are continually reminded that it is little things and the simplicity of life that warms us from the inside out.
Throughout this holiday season, we hope you enjoy the peace it brings and experience many laughs and quality time with loved ones. As you incorporate more hygge into the days ahead, don’t forget to seek comfort and warmth from the winter floral arrangements here at Conklyn’s Florist. Whether you admire them in your own home, gift them to a loved one, or create a magnificent centerpiece for your family holiday table, flowers can offer a wealth of hygge during this season.
