You’ve probably seen the word “hygge” pop up in a few articles during the winter or holiday season and wondered what it is all about. Well, Hygge is a Danish tradition or art form of embracing the feeling of happiness, contentment, and safety that you get when you do certain things you derive pleasure from. For example, lowering yourself into a hot bath, sipping a cup of hot cocoa (or a glass of wine) while relaxing in front of a warm fireplace, or enjoying great food with great friends and reveling in the camaraderie are all ways to feel hygge. Particularly during the holiday season, there’s a correlation between this Danish practice and the country’s population consistently ranking as one of the happiest in the world. At Julia’s Florist, the premier flower shop in Wilmington, we’re sharing some of our favorite ways to welcome hygge into our homes. So, let’s give it a try!

Savvy Steps to Create Hygge

Enjoy Mother Nature and Bring the Best of the Outside Indoors

Even if there is snow on the ground, getting outside in nature and breathing in crisp, cool air is wonderful therapy and an essential part of experiencing hygge. Being in nature is natural. Play in the snow, tend to your garden, or play a fun sport with family and friends. Even a solitary brisk walk in the woods provides mood-boosting benefits. Additionally, bringing Mother Nature into your home through fresh winter blooms and greenery is a fantastic and stunning way to embrace hygge without even leaving the living room.

Turn Your Home Into a Comfortable, Cozy Environment

Create a space with items that bring you joy. From sitting in your favorite chair or surrounding yourself with objects that tell a story or are meaningful to you, such as a piece of art you picked up abroad, an item you found in an antique store, or nostalgic holiday decor that has been passed down through generations. Make your space welcoming with lots of pillows in neutral colors, living green plants or fresh flowers, and remove all clutter. Create warmth with a fireplace and soft, ambient lighting with lots of candles and holiday lights.

Spend Time and Be Present With Loved Ones

Time spent with family and friends during the holidays is truly one of the best ways to achieve hygge, and trumps receiving presents every time. It’s quality moments spent with loved ones that are the most important and special thing about the season. So, make sure you carve out special family time to play board games, go on hikes, or enjoy good movies together. And if you can’t attend the festivities in person, sending a symbolic bouquet of winter blooms will ensure you’re there in spirit.

Enjoy Festive Treats & Favorite Holiday Meals

The holidays are when an assortment of mouth-watering meals and treats arrive in abundance. Don’t deny yourself… now is the time to enjoy these goodies and all the sweet and savory deliciousness they have to offer. Just don’t eat mindlessly, stuffing your face with as much food as possible. The point is to savor holiday food slowly and mindfully, as it comes around only once a year. Enjoy the spread, complemented by holiday blooms and centerpieces on the dining tables, and be thankful for those who prepared the meal and treats.

Indulge in a Relaxing Hobby

It’s easy to achieve hygge when you unplug from electronic devices, admire fresh flowers in your space, and indulge in hobbies you enjoy. For example, turn off the TV and wrap yourself up in a cozy blanket by the fire to read a good book. Start an art project, bake some cookies, or play with your dog, and benefit from the good feelings these little hobbies bring you. Just like buying yourself flowers, your favorite activities are a crucial form of self-care.

With the above guidelines, you will undoubtedly have yourself a very hygge holiday! Keep these concepts in mind and follow them throughout the whole year to benefit your overall well-being and happiness. One of the easiest and quickest ways to do this is to fill your home with beautiful, seasonal, fresh flowers and green plants. Here at Julia’s Florist, we are happy to help you with all your floral needs for everyday beauty and special occasions.