It was the juxtaposition that got me.
First, there was a post by a mom with six kids ticking off the numerous Halloween activities her family was planning to attend and reiterating her resolve to just let them eat as much candy as they want until the season passes. She was tired of being the “candy police.” The very next post was a mom stocking her home medicine cabinet for cold and flu season, carefully providing for every ailment and lamenting because she knows that they’re going to spend the next four months with someone sick pretty much all the time.
Maybe the frenetic party pace together with unfettered access to sugar and artificial flavors and colors has something to do with being sick? It certainly makes me wonder. Instead of staring down the barrel of two months of crazy-busy exhaustion punctuated by poor eating habits and the virus of the week, let’s turn this whole thing on its head.
Imagine instead a season filled with warmth and genuine joy. Looking forward to the late autumn and early winter, to political turmoil and social stressors, let’s double down on nature as a healer and home as a soft place to land. I’m intrigued by the notion of “hygge” — a Danish philosophy that celebrates coziness and connection. In a country that gets bitter cold and stays very dark in winter, hygge is an invitation to slow down, to find joy in simple pleasures, and to nurture both our spirits and our homes. Denmark is not particularly religious, but what if we applied a little hygge to a genuine living faith?
Let’s begin with All Saints’ Day. This year, consider taking a family walk in a local graveyard. Bring along a thermos filled with hot cocoa or spiced apple cider, and invite your children to share stories about the saints or relatives they remember. This gentle excursion can serve as a beautiful reminder of our shared heritage and the warmth of our connections, while also inviting a sense of peace as we walk outdoors. Remember there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. As much as you can, bundle up and get out. You’ll be glad you did.
The season of Thanksgiving invites us to cultivate gratitude. Set the stage by creating a gratitude jar. Each day, have everyone write down something they’re thankful for and drop it in the jar. Thanksgiving weekend, gather to read the notes aloud. This practice not only fosters a spirit of appreciation but also creates a soft place for family bonding. If your children are grown, don’t discount this practice. Gather their contributions via email or text if necessary. It might be even more important to articulate the things for which they are grateful as they grow.
With the arrival of Advent, resist the urge to hurry and scurry. Use this time to slow down, intentionally creating an atmosphere of warmth and joy in your home. Make an Advent wreath together, using evergreens and candles. (Get outside for a walk to gather those evergreens yourself.) Light a candle each Sunday, sharing prayers or readings that focus on hope and peace, allowing these moments to anchor your family in the true spirit of the season.
Embrace the darkness of winter by creating cozy spaces in your home. Set up a reading nook with soft blankets and pillows where you can curl up with a good book or play board games together. Fill your home with the aroma of baked goods, inviting the comforting scents of cinnamon and vanilla to permeate your space. Bake holiday cookies, not just for the sugar rush, but as an opportunity to gather and create lasting memories, and then to offer the sweets as gifts.
As winter deepens, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of nature as a healer. Bundle up and venture outside for brisk walks, even on chilly days. Engage in outdoor activities like hiking or simply playing in the snow, allowing the beauty of nature to refresh your spirits. Taking these moments to connect with the natural world can be a powerful antidote to the busyness of life.
When the holiday season wraps up, and the new year begins, encourage reflection and intention setting. Use the quiet of winter to ponder what you wish to carry into the new year. Engage in simple rituals, such as journaling or quiet prayer, to help clarify your intentions and nurture a sense of hope.
Ultimately, embracing hygge during the colder months is about choosing to value warmth, connection and simplicity. It’s about recognizing that true joy can be found in the everyday moments of life, even amidst the chaos of the season. Let’s step away from the frenzy of the holidays and instead create a sanctuary of comfort and love — a place where laughter resonates, gratitude flourishes, and every moment is cherished. As we move forward, let’s cultivate a long season that nourishes our bodies and souls, fostering genuine joy and connection with those we hold dear.
Foss, whose website is takeupandread.org, writes from Connecticut.
