What is it about the holiday season that makes us feel like we’re moving at lightning speed in a whirlwind of chaos and commotion? Why do we do this to ourselves year after year?
There’s a reason why Scandinavians are rated as the happiest people in the world, again and again. For the Danish, hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) makes winters enjoyable rather than something to simply get through. Hygge is the Danish art of creating joy and coziness in everyday moments, whatever the season or time of day. The idea is all about creating and incorporating feelings of happiness, friendliness and well-being into everyday life—finding the deeper meaning within ordinary moments.
“Hygge is the euphoric feeling when you are completely content in the present moment, when you can’t help but smile and let out a happy sigh,” says Alexandra Gove, creator and founder of Hygge Life, located in the Vail Valley “Loved ones and good food and drinks are likely contributors, as are candlelight and music. It's the art of creating special moments out of daily routines and rituals, whether it's lighting a candle before you curl up in your reading nook, buying fresh flowers at the market every week, posting handwritten invitations for your backyard summer party or breaking out the good wine when your friends are over for dinner.”
Think fireplaces, cozy blankets and cups of hot cocoa. Alexandra says these wintry things are very hygge but hygge should also trigger thoughts, intentions and feelings that happen year-round, such as campfires, picnic blankets and catching up with an old friend over an ice-cold beer. This practice can enhance our well-being.
“We believe that hygge can actually help ease the anxiety and uneasiness of unsettling situations as well as the busyness and stresses of everyday life. We believe hygge provides comfort, contentment and coziness. It reminds us to slow down and to look for ways to take time to pause, be calm and practice self-care,” Alexandra says.
With this in mind, we look at ways to incorporate a deeper sense of being into the holiday season, reminding ourselves that the season is not just about gifts.
Remember you don’t have to do it all
Get a little help in the kitchen. It’s OK, really! If cooking feels more overwhelming than exciting, ditch it. Get pre-made meals delivered to your door from YayeOrganics.com
If there’s no place you’d rather be than in your kitchen, whipping up a massive feast for your family, let Pinemelon help you enhance your meal with product offerings from local producers. For example, add Mystic Mountain Mushrooms to up your green bean casserole game; use Highland Honey for glazed carrots, sweet potatoes or ham; or let Hinman Pie/Pints Peak Ice Cream cover dessert. All are local and available at Pinemelon.com or on the Pinemelon app.
Pick up local author Allyson Reedy’s latest cookbook 50 Things To Bake Before You Die and whip up some sweet treats in the kitchen with your children. Then relish the moment when they ask to do it again. If they’re old enough, let them give the second round a go on their own. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. TatteredCover.com
Set the tone at home
Spend the evening by candlelight or sit by a roaring fire. Carve out an hour to read a book or sip on tea or pinot noir.
Keep a pair of warm socks or slippers by your bed. Toss a soft, thick blanket across your couch. Make being cozy a priority.
If you’re looking for additional ways to embrace the season, Alexandra suggests adding winter textures like wool and heavy-weighted throws and adding a winter fruit bowl to your kitchen counter to add color and vibrancy to the room.
Help the kids make the most out of the holiday season
Alexandra says the key to creating a hyggelig atmosphere with children is by being present and appreciating the little things. She suggests spending an hour or two cooking pancakes in the morning together or to plan a hygge movie night where you pile the living room floor with pillows and hang twinkle lights.
Build memories through experiences rather than gifts. Spend the day hitting the slopes at Eldora or strap on your hiking boots for a snowy hike with a backpack containing a blanket and thermos of hot chocolate.
Make and break bread together. Sign up for Rebel Bread's "Camp Bread: Sourdough at Home," which guides you through the entire bread-making process over seven days. JoinCampBread.com
One of the best ways to build new memories is by trying something new. Start small by picking up several flavors of Van Leeuwen’s ice cream for a family taste-testing session. We suggest large spoonfuls of Honeycomb, Earl Grey Tea and Marionberry Cheesecake.
Be mindful
Wrapping gifts doesn’t have to be a wasteful experience. Rather than store-bought wrapping paper, which isn’t recyclable, opt for butcher paper and pretty twine. Top with a fresh clipping from your tree or a sucker. If little ones are around, invite them to draw on it with markers, making it a truly one-of-a-kind present.
Treat yourself
Do you know how they say that sometimes the best things come in small packages? Walk over to Aviano or Oilve & Finch to pick up a latte and mouthwatering pastry. Fresh flowers are my trigger to stop and appreciate life. Head over to Lucky’s or Ideal Market for a colorful bouquet. Divvy them up to create little “stops” throughout your home—by your bedside, in your kitchen, at the dining table and more.
Is there a hobby you’ve lost track of like reading, knitting or painting? Have you lost sight of it now that the world has opened up again? Consider carving out a few minutes each day or every weekend for it.
Drop someone a note
If the thought of writing a lengthy Christmas letter this year makes you want to cringe, then don’t! Send a quick “thinking of you” text or pick up a stack of stationary or postcards. It’s always nice to receive mail and the actual amount of writing doesn’t matter. It’s more about the fact that you’ve set aside time to say hello. LanasShop.com
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Give thoughtfully
When you match the right store with the right person, it can be hard to go wrong. This season, do not underestimate the power of giving a gift card. It saves you time, supports local businesses and lets the recipient choose exactly what they want. Wrap it well and include a thoughtful note. We promise you can’t go wrong with this pick. Here are some of our favorite places.
DenverZoo.org
ArtisanCenterDenver.com
IHeartDenverStore.com
DMNS.org (Denver Museum of Nature & Science)
HyggeLife.com
Coconut Cream White Russian
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) vodka
- 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) coconut rum
- 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) Kahlua
- 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) vanilla syrup
- 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) canned full-fat coconut cream well stirred
Instructions
Make the vanilla syrup. In a medium pot, combine 1/2 cup water, honey and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over high heat for 3-5 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
To make the Russian. Fill a glass with ice. Add vodka, coconut rum, Kahlua and vanilla syrup. Stir gently. Add coconut cream and stir to combine.
Herb-spiced nuts
- 3 to 4 cups (283 to 354g) of pecans, walnuts, and almonds
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped sage
- 1 tablespoon chopped thyme
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Mix herbs, spices, maple syrup and melted butter with nuts and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
Simple Swedish Gingersnaps
- 2 cups pastry flour OR 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour and ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¾ cup butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 egg
Instructions
Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon and cloves together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Combine butter, sugar and molasses in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on medium speed until it is light and fluffy, roughly 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low and add the egg. Mix until fully combined.
Add flour mixture to butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Using a spatula, transfer the dough to a large piece of plastic wrap. Wrap tightly and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to one day or place dough in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. The dough will be easier to work with if it is well-chilled.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll small dough balls and dip them in sugar, then press with the bottom of a glass. Bake at 350 for 8-10 min.