December.
HURRY! HUSTLE! Let’s go!! Tension! Stress!
Wait… Isn’t Christmas supposed to be a time of peace? A time to be calm?
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16
I was anything but filled with peace and calm during the holiday season. There were presents to buy and wrap, decorations to hang and the Christmas tree had to be perfect, cookies to be baked, and so on and so on. I almost had a nervous breakdown trying to get it all just PERFECT!
Then… it happened.
I found Hygge. (pronounced HOO-GUH) Hygge is a Danish word and there really is not a definition for it. It’s a lifestyle. Danish people are some of the happiest people on earth. I wanted to be just like them. I started minimalism that same year but when it came to Christmas, I was all over the place.
Stressing instead of finding my quiet time.
Tensions building over getting all the décor together.
Unhappiness set in.
The holiday season was stealing my joy.
HOW DARE IT!
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2
So, I decided that I needed a change right there in the middle of decorating and baking! That year I had a Happy Hygge Christmas and I’ve continued it right into the new year and into every holiday and every year after.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
How does one have a Happy Hygge Christmas? (or lifestyle all through the year)
Hygge is all about living a cozy, peaceful lifestyle.
Six ways to hygge-fy (I made that word up!) your life!
1. Ambiance
Turn off the electric lights! (and the television) Use candlelight and fairy lights. Christmas tree lights make a beautiful glow all on their own. Light up that fireplace! You can’t get a better cozier ambiance than that! (Insert soft Christmas or easy listening tunes here.)
2. DIY Decor
Hygge is all about bringing the outdoors in. Bundle up the family and take a walk through the woods. Gather up branches, pinecones and pine and anything else nature has to offer you along your hike. Create DIY decor. Hygge is also about spending time with your family and friends. I can’t think of a better way to spend time together than gathering free things from nature and creating and saving money while doing so!
3. Bakers Gonna Bake
Bake, Bake, and Bake some more! Whether you try some new recipes or stick to the old originals like chocolate chip cookies. Baking and indulging in baked treats is a hygge must! I know what you’re thinking; but what about ALL THOSE carbs? How about trying your baking hand at some low-fat treats? Baked goods are also a great Christmas gift!
4. Warm Drinks
It doesn’t matter what it is. What matters is that it makes you feel all warm and cozy on the inside and it pairs great with all those baked treats! It’s a great time to try new flavors. I found vanilla chai tea and it is a must-have flavor in my home now. Not a coffee or tea drinker? How about hot cocoa or hot cider? I love to put mulling spices and a bottle of apple wine in my crockpot and let it simmer all day. Oh my hygge-heavens!!
5. Socialize not Social Media
Put down the phones and tablets. Step away from that laptop. Hygge is all about connecting with loved ones. Play board games, craft together, or even bake together. Grab your partner or a good book and wrap up in a cozy blanket and warm fuzzy socks. Don’t forget your warm drink and cuddle up near the fireplace!
6. That’s a wrap!
Think about your decor. Simple, natural, minimalized. Follow this theme while wrapping your presents. Buy a roll or two of plain paper. I usually use wrapping paper that resembles a plain brown bag, white or black. Then I have an evening of decorating each gift with sprigs of pine and twine. I’ve even stenciled the receiver’s name. The possibilities are endless!
Cheers! (lifting my piping hot cup of vanilla chai tea)
Here is to you finding a happy hygge Christmas, New Year and lifestyle!
Deb Ridenour
Deb suggests taking a long, relaxed look at this LINK to get in the Christmas hygge mood.
Deb Ridenour has been married to her teenage sweetheart for almost 33 years. They have three children they are so very proud of and they have five grands that they are even more proud of! Deb is a doggie mom to Gunner and it is no secret that he is her favorite child (he even has a tag to prove it!)
She is proud to be a daughter of the one true King, and she says it is NOT only because that makes her a princess! Deb feels that God has truly blessed her with a passion to create and design. She has just begun a business – Sparrow and Grace Designs. She seeks to honor and glorify His name in all she does and in all she creates because she recognizes that her talents come from the Lord.
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