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6 Ways To Practice Hygge and Embrace Winter

By Rachel

published 01/21/2022

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Last Updated on February 6, 2025 by Rachel

Feeling the post-holiday blues? No fear! I want to share, from experience, 6 ways practice hygge and embrace winter!

Winter is in full swing here in Minnesota. It’s cold, cloudy, and snowy! That may make you just want to stay inside and huddle up in a warm blanket but life is too short for that. I’m here to show you how to live your best life, even in the cold. Here are 6 ways to practice hygge and embrace winter!

Table of Contents

Beat the Winter Blues!

The Scandinavians refer to a term called ‘hygge’, pronounced ‘hue-guh’, meaning “a quality of coziness that encourages a feeling of contentment”. Winter can be energizing and full of life if you choose to make it so!

Below, I’ve rounded up a list of six of my favorite ways to make the most out of the winter season, no matter where you live.

Make the Most Out of Cozy Season: 6 Ways To Practice Hygge and Embrace Winter

The mindful activities and ideas below will help you to make the most out of the cold months. Slow down, live in the moment, and enjoy all that this season has to offer.

1. Have Playtime with Some Fun Outdoor Activities.

Being outdoors in the winter is extremely invigorating. Sure it’s cold but when you have the proper snow gear it is so much fun!

Getting outside during the winter keeps you active, gets you daily exercise, and gifts you much needed sunshine.
There are many winter activities that you could try including snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ice fishing, or even just getting out for a walk at your local park.

I encourage you to get outside for some fresh air!

2. Engage in a Hobby.

Fly fishing is one of my favorite past times as is thrifting.

Hobbies are so important any time of the year but especially during the winter. If you already have a hobby such as crafting, baking, or knitting, do more of that in the winter.

If you don’t have a regular hobby, find one! Watch some tutorials on YouTube of some things that interest you and then get the needed supplies to start.

Hobbies help keep you engaged in a creative outlet during the long winter months.

3. Invest In Cozy Items.

The third idea I’m sharing for 6 ways to embrace winter is to purchase cozy items but do so on a budget.

This can include things like sweaters, warm socks, wool blankets, and slippers. You don’t need to spend much money to do this, either.
Check your local thrift store for cozy items. I find all of my warm sweaters secondhand for less than $10.

Having warm and cozy items to use on a daily basis will bring you joy all winter long!

4. Light Up the Winter Nights with Candles

Candles are the just the coziest. There is just something about the warm glow of a candle on a cold night that is so comforting.

But you know what makes candles extra special? Pouring your own! This is a fantastic winter activity and I have a whole blog post on DIY Soy Wax candles dedicated to creating them.

This project is simple and inexpensive and will add extra cheerfulness to your home.

If you prefer to purchase candles to light in your home, you can shop from the selection below, both faux and real!

Shop Best Candles for Winter!

5. Make Your Space Feel Warm.

Even though it’s cold outside doesn’t mean it can’t be warm inside!

By making your home as warm and cozy as humanly possible, you are creating a space that you can live joyfully in for winter.

This can include things like warm lighting, candles, blankets, and plants.

Whatever ultra-cozy is for you, do that. This is hygge at it’s finest!

6. Sip Hot Beverages.

The last idea on 6 ways to embrace winter is by drinking warm beverages. This idea is quintessentially winter, especially here in the Midwest.

Sipping on a hot cup of coffee or a freshly steeped warm tea gives you the oomph you need to keep moving.

The adorable mug below is a vintage Longaberger mug that I paid .50 cents for at the thrift store! Find a mug that you love and use it all winter for the life-giving warmth of a hot beverage.

Shop Cute Mugs!

Closing Tidbits on Choosing Joy in Wintertime: 6 Ways To Practice Hygge and Embrace Winter

I hope that these 6 ways to embrace winter are an encouragement for you! Winter is all about practicing contentment and finding simple pleasures.

Try implementing just one idea of the hygge lifestyle and see how your mindset towards winter starts to shift. Embrace the here and now!

Let me know in the comments below how you are choosing to embrace winter. I love hearing from you!

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If you are new here, I’m Rachel, the writer and content creator here at The Antiqued Journey. I’m so happy to have you! I encourage you to stop by the ‘about me’ page to get to know me a little more.

Here on the blog, you will find loads of inspiration for decorating with vintage and antique decor, simple DIY crafts and many thrifting adventures. If that interests you, I invite you to sign up for my e-mail. You will receive a free digital download as a thank you!