Hygge: The Cozy Lifestyle That Will Help You Survive Winter

Originally published February 2021. Updated September 2026.

Hygge (pronounced “HOO-guh”) is the Danish art of coziness: finding comfort, warmth and contentment in simple things like candlelight, a warm drink, a soft blanket and unhurried time with people you love. It is how the Danes get through long, dark Scandinavian winters, and it has become one of the most popular ideas for making the colder months feel less like something to survive and more like something to enjoy. Below you will find what hygge really means, where it comes from, and simple ways to bring it into your own home this winter.

On this page:

• Living Well and Loving It: A Look at the Hygge Trend
• Celebrate Any Way You Wish
• How to Hygge This Winter: 12 Simple Ideas
• How to Create a Hygge Home
• Hygge Self-Care Rituals
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Danish concept of hygge, or hyggelig (adj.), refers to finding comfort, pleasure, and warmth in simple, soothing things such as a cozy atmosphere or the feeling of friendship. The Scandinavian term encompasses a feeling of coziness, contentment, and well-being found through cherishing the little things.

“The true essence of hygge is the pursuit of everyday happiness and it’s basically like a hug, just without the physical touch,” says Meik Wiking, the author of The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets To Happy Living, and CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen.

The desire to live well is an integral part of the human condition, and it has been motivating mankind since the very beginning. What constitutes a good life may have changed and evolved over the years, but the desire for that good life has not.

We were named an expert in a Rent. article. Check out the featured article: Scandinavian Decor: What is it and What are Its Defining Features? | Rent.

Living Well and Loving It – A Look at the Hygge Trend

It is this desire to live well and stay connected that is at the heart of the hygge movement. And while hygge has been around for centuries, the movement has been gaining new respect, and getting a great deal of interest, in the past couple of years.

Hygge is not a product, and it is definitely not something you can buy. Rather, it is a way of life, and a unique way of looking at the world. The term is Norwegian in origin, but the movement has now spread around the world.

One of the defining elements of hygge is its communal nature. Instead of focusing on the well being of the individual, it encourages the entire community, and indeed the entire country, to adopt a simpler way of life and a happier way of living life. By making simple changes, individuals improve their lives, and those improvements trickle throughout the entire community, creating a sense of well being that permeates the entire society.

You can think of hygge is a type of philosophy, one that focuses on individual well being, a sense of community and an appreciation for the good things in life. Those good things are not necessarily material – in fact the concept sometimes takes on a decidedly anti-materialistic nature. Instead, it is all about taking time each day to focus on the things you love to do.

If you love to read, hygge gives you an excuse to curl up with a good book. In a relationship? Hygge provides you with a chance to reconnect romantically and enjoy some alone time. When you miss your family, hygge is an opportunity to leave work early and be with them.

Create Your Own Hygge Experience

Hygge means something different to everyone, and you can create your own personalized experience. In the end, however, hygge is all about feelings, and focusing on what makes you feel good. You can think of the movement as a combination of good feelings – from the comfort of home and family and the happiness of a life well lived to the gratitude you feel for your friends and colleagues.

Some have even likened hygge to a warm hug, and that is a good way to think about it. The fact that hygge extends beyond the individual to embrace the entire community is one of its chief attributes, so everyone can enjoy that warm feeling, no matter where they live or who they are.

Americans often liken hygge to the Thanksgiving day holiday, albeit without the turkey coma and huge feast. The pervasive sense of gratitude is at the heart of the hygge movement, so the Thanksgiving analogy is certainly an apt one.

Celebrate Any Way You Wish

Whether you think of it as a self-help movement, a new kind of Thanksgiving holiday or a countrywide hug, hygge means something different to everyone. That means you can celebrate it any way you wish. The romantic can cuddle with their partners. Tired workers can curl up in front of the fire and relax after a long day. Frazzled parents can sink into a hot bath or treat themselves to a day at the spa. Animal lovers can take the dog for a walk or play with the cat. In the end, hygge is a deeply personal experience, and that is what makes it so special.

How to Hygge This Winter: 12 Simple Ideas

Hygge does not require buying anything new. It is about noticing what already makes you feel warm and safe and giving yourself permission to enjoy it. Here are twelve easy ways to start:

1. Light candles. Candlelight is at the heart of Danish hygge. Even one candle on the dinner table changes the mood of a room.
2. Switch to soft lighting. Turn off harsh overhead lights and use lamps, string lights or a fireplace for warm pools of light.
3. Make a warm drink ritual. Brew a pot of tea, mull some cider or make hot chocolate, and actually sit down to drink it.
4. Get comfortable. Thick socks, a chunky sweater and a soft throw blanket are the unofficial uniform of hygge.
5. Cook something slow. Soups, stews, fresh bread and baked goods fill the house with warmth and good smells.
6. Invite a few people over. Hygge is best shared with a small group of close friends or family, not a big party.
7. Put the phone away. Set aside an evening with no screens, or at least no scrolling.
8. Read a real book. Curl up with a novel you have been meaning to get to.
9. Play a board game or do a puzzle. Simple, low-pressure activities you can enjoy together.
10. Take a winter walk. Fresh air and a little daylight make coming home to a warm house even better.
11. Build a reading nook. A chair, a blanket, a lamp and a side table for your mug is all it takes.
12. Practice gratitude. End the day by noting a few small things that made you feel content.

How to Create a Hygge Home

A hygge home feels calm, warm and lived-in rather than perfect. A few principles go a long way:

• Layer textures. Wool, sheepskin, knit throws, linen and wood make a space feel soft and inviting.
• Bring in nature. Houseplants, branches, pinecones, stones and crystals connect the indoors to the natural world.
• Keep the palette warm and simple. Creams, soft whites, warm greys, wood tones and earthy colors are classic Scandinavian choices.
• Clear the clutter. Hygge is simple. A tidy space makes it easier to relax.
• Create gathering spots. Arrange seating so people naturally face each other and linger.

Scandinavian design and hygge go hand in hand. If you want to take the look further, the Scandinavian decor feature on Rent. that we contributed to is a great starting point.

Hygge Self-Care Rituals

At its core, hygge is a form of self-care: deliberately making time to feel safe, warm and at ease. A few rituals that fit perfectly into a hygge evening:

• A slow breathing break. A minute of long, slow exhales is one of the quickest ways to settle down after a busy day. Our guide to using a breathing necklace walks through a simple technique.
• Short meditation. Five quiet minutes by candlelight can reset your whole evening. Try our guide to meditation as a path to inner peace.
• A warm bath. Add candles, soft music and a good book.
• Journaling. Write down what you are grateful for or what you want to let go of before the new year.
• Early nights. Winter is a natural season for rest. Honor it.

For more ideas on getting through the darker months with a sense of calm, read our winter wisdom lessons.

Looking to bring the right energy into your cozy space? [ Check out our crystals and accessories ]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does hygge mean?

Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word for a feeling of coziness, comfort and contentment that comes from simple pleasures: warm light, good company, comforting food and time to slow down. It describes a mood and a way of living more than any specific object.

How do you pronounce hygge?

Hygge is pronounced roughly “HOO-guh,” with the first syllable rhyming with “who.” The related adjective, hyggelig, means cozy or pleasant.

How do you hygge in winter?

Focus on warmth, light and togetherness: light candles or use soft lamps instead of overhead lights, wrap up in blankets and wool socks, make a warm drink, cook something slow and comforting, invite a few friends over, and set aside unhurried time with no screens.

Is hygge only for winter?

No. Hygge is most associated with the long, dark Scandinavian winter, but the idea works year-round. In summer it might look like a picnic with friends, an evening outdoors with a blanket, or a quiet morning coffee in the sun.

What is the difference between hygge and cozy?

“Cozy” usually describes a physical space. Hygge is broader: it includes the cozy setting, but also the feeling of safety, presence and connection with the people around you. You can have a cozy room without hygge, but hygge is hard to find without a little coziness.

What are some hygge gift ideas?

Good hygge gifts invite the recipient to slow down: candles, a soft throw or wool socks, a favorite book, loose-leaf tea with a pretty infuser, a mug, or a small keepsake that reminds them to take a moment for themselves.