Ahh the holidays; the coziest time of year! If you took a poll on which holiday was the most hygge, Christmas would probably win 9.99 times out of 10. I love it, I’m here for it, and I’m so excited to soak in all the joy and warm fuzzies that come with.

I think sometimes this month can get a little overwhelming and overstimulating though, which is why it’s important to fall back on cozy habits. Being prepared with activities you know to be hygge make this cold and dark season one to look forward to!

This list is chalk-full of ideas and things to try, to ensure you have the most Hygge Holiday Season yet!

1. Bring in the nostalgia
   Think back to all your Christmases of the past. What was your favorite memory? Your favorite traditions? Favorite food? Decorations? You don’t have to re-invent the wheel, because hygge and nostalgia go hand in hand. Find the joy in what used to be for a simple cozy Christmas.
2. Create a new tradition revolving around coziness
   When you think cozy, what comes to mind? Hot drinks, blankets, comfy clothes, family and friends, twinkle lights, and cuddling up by the fire. Create a new tradition that embodies those things!
   
   Things to try: Matching pj’s with the family, new books for Christmas eve, going to see the Christmas lights, camping out by the Christmas tree… then carry these traditions on year after year!
3. Light up the night
   December is a dark month, so bring the light to you! Christmas time is a great excuse to go a little overboard on lights and candles. Add fairy lights in places you wouldn’t normally think to put them, and add extra candles, string lights, lamps and lanterns all around the house. Every environment is more hygge with a warm glow.
4. Bundle up and go outside
   If you ask the Danes, part of a hygge holiday season will always include going outside. I know what you’re thinking, brr! But there’s a Scandinavian saying that helps with this, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”. So bundle up and play outside.
   
   Things to try: Build a snowman, have a snowball fight, go ice skating, build a winter fire, forage for greenery, go sledding, build an igloo, or go for a winter nature walk!
5. Build an indoor fort or nook
   Whether you like it or not, you’ll be spending more time indoors this time of year. Make it extra special with a cozy fort! It can be as simple as sheets over your dining room chairs, or you can order a real canvas tent. Whatever it takes, just throw a ton of blankets and pillows inside, add some string lights at the entrance, and enjoy the hygge.
6. Simplify your decorations and bring in something real
   Sometimes Christmas decor can feel a bit… claustrophobic, but maybe this year you can try to pair things down and make it simple! Put out a few of your most beloved decorations, but then ditch the plastic and glitter trinkets in favor of something real. Bringing life indoors can feel refreshing and cozy in the dead of winter.
   
   Things to try: Pinecone garlands, foraged branches in vases, strung cranberries and dried oranges across windows and in doorways.
7. Send Christmas gifts or cards to a veteran or retirement home
   Sending a gift or card to someone who may need it more than anyone you know, just might be the most hygge thing you ever do. It feels wonderful to give, even if it’s just a letter to a new and unsuspecting pen pal. And hey, you may just get a new friend out of the whole deal.
   
   Things to try: Call or look into your local retirement homes, veterans homes, or homes for people with special needs and ask if they welcome gifts and cards. I think you’ll find most of them will be thrilled!
8. Gift intentionally with homemade, handmade, or secondhand items
   A hand knit beanie (I’m looking at you Rachel @wildwoodandsage), a homemade salt scrub or bath bomb, or a vintage tea cup from the thrift store that you know your mom can’t live without… Avoiding the big box stores is very hygge, and your local makers will appreciate and benefit greatly from it!
9. Bake a variety of goodies and give them to friends, coworkers, and family
   I feel like this one might be old school. I personally haven’t gotten a homemade cookie variety box since my grandma sent them to us in Montana all the way from Washington years and years ago. To this day I miss her bakes, and regularly think how special it would be to gift something like that to the people I love. Baking is hygge, and the look on someone’s face when you hand them homemade cookies… PURE JOY!
10. Participate in your town’s local Christmas festivities
    Whether it’s a tree lighting ceremony, Christmas parade, toy drive, or Holiday market, joining your community for festive gatherings is always hygge. Choose your most anticipated events and add them to your holiday bucket list. Don’t forget to dress extra cozy when you go!
11. Host a Hygge Holiday Breakfast or Brunch
    Everyone does dinner, why not mix things up? Brunch is very cozy. You can incorporate Christmas flavors like cranberry, gingerbread, egg nog, orange, and hot cocoa into all your favorite breakfast foods. And as an added bonus, you get all your visiting done early so you can have a relaxing evening!
    
    Things to try: Cranberry apple mocktails, gingerbread pancakes, eggnog french toast, orange cinnamon rolls, or hot cocoa waffles with marshmallow whipped cream. Yum!
12. Keep it simple
    Keep your traditions, activities and get togethers simple. Declutter and donate leading up to the holidays. Say no to things that don’t fit into your schedule or align with your values. The holidays are about spending time with your people, gifting with love, and being grateful for this beautiful life, don’t forget it!

The Holidays can be stressful, but they don’t have to be! When I began living my life with hygge as my guide, things automatically slowed down. Everything became an opportunity to create those coveted cozy feelings.

I hope you get the chance to try some of these cozy holiday ideas because we all deserve to have a joyful, stress free, Hygge Holiday Season.

Wishing a very Merry Hygge Christmas to you all!