The holidays have always been about more than gifts and gatherings; they’re about creating moments of comfort — a warm fire, a shared meal, the simple joy of togetherness. But as stress and uncertainty linger, this year’s holiday trend is all about dialing up the coziness and minimizing the chaos. Enter hygge, the Danish concept that’s as much about mindset as it is about ambiance.
Pronounced hoo-gah, “hygge” is a Danish word that roughly translates to coziness, but it goes deeper than that. It’s about fostering a sense of warmth, safety and contentment, even in the midst of life’s darker moments. In Denmark, where long winters mean short days and endless nights, hygge is a cultural cornerstone — a way to embrace life’s simple pleasures and build resilience against the cold, both literal and figurative.
This season, hygge isn’t just a fleeting Pinterest trend — it’s shaping how we celebrate. From hosting intimate dinners by candlelight to embracing soft, unhurried mornings in pajamas, hygge is more than a design aesthetic. It’s a way to reclaim the holidays from the frenzy, one cozy moment at a time.
The shift towards comfort
Over the past few years, people have been gravitating toward anything that promises a break from stress. Much like the rise of weighted blankets to soothe sleepless nights, hygge has become a lifeline for those craving calm in turbulent times.
According to Harvard Health, weighted blankets — which mimic the comforting pressure of a hug — have surged in popularity for their ability to help ease anxiety and promote better sleep. Similarly, hygge focuses on small, intentional comforts like a flickering candle or a quiet moment wrapped in a chunky knit blanket, offering a sense of safety and serenity. For many, these are small but meaningful ways to find solace in an unpredictable world.
Incorporating hygge into the holidays is a natural extension of this trend. The pressures of gift-giving, hosting and managing a packed social calendar can feel overwhelming, especially when combined with the ongoing uncertainty of the world. Hygge offers an antidote: Permission to let go of the hustle and focus on what truly matters, like connection, comfort and joy.
How to hygge your holidays
So how do you bring a little hygge into your celebrations? The good news is, you don’t need to spend a fortune or overhaul your entire routine. Hygge is about simplicity, not extravagance. Here are a few ideas to get started.
Set the mood with lighting
Hygge starts with ambiance, and nothing transforms a room quite like lighting. Soft, warm light from candles, string lights or even a crackling fireplace can create the ultimate cozy atmosphere. But there’s more to it than aesthetics — science backs up the mood-boosting power of holiday lighting. Psychologist Deborah Serani explained to Today that decorating with lights can “create a neurological shift that produces happiness,” thanks to bright colors and the nostalgia they evoke. Whether it’s chromotherapy or just the magic of the season, holiday lights have a way of lifting spirits — the perfect backdrop for a hygge-inspired holiday.
Simplify your menu
Hygge isn’t about elaborate feasts; it’s about comfort food that warms the soul. A creamy broccoli casserole makes for an inviting centerpiece at a casual gathering. Pair it with freshly baked muffins or a simple cheese board, and let the emphasis be on the company, not the cooking.
Create rituals of rest
Whether it’s a morning coffee in your coziest sweater or an evening spent reading by the fire, hygge thrives on routine. This season, build intentional moments of rest into your schedule. Trade hours of online shopping for a slow evening spent making or wrapping gifts while listening to your favorite holiday playlist.
Bring nature indoors
Hygge draws heavily from the natural world. Incorporate evergreen branches, pinecones or fresh eucalyptus into your decor. Not only does this add a festive touch, but studies have shown that being around natural elements can lower cortisol levels and promote calm.
Prioritize connection
At its core, hygge is about spending quality time with loved ones. This doesn’t mean hosting a huge party. Instead, invite a few close friends for an evening of board games, a holiday movie marathon or simply sitting around the table sharing stories over a steaming bowl of pumpkin soup.
Why hygge matters now
Hygge’s growing popularity isn’t just a holiday trend; it’s a reflection of what people are craving. After years of collective stress, there is a growing re-evaluation of what’s important. For many, that means less focus on material things and more on experiences that foster connection and comfort.
There’s also a practical side to hygge. The holidays can be financially draining, but hygge celebrates affordability. A cozy evening at home costs far less than a lavish party, and homemade touches — like baking Danish butter cookies — become part of the experience. With their rich, buttery flavor and hint of nostalgia, these cookies are a perfect way to bring warmth to any gathering while keeping the focus on simplicity.
A cozier, happier holiday
As you navigate the holiday season, consider how hygge might fit into your traditions. Maybe it’s swapping a marathon shopping trip for a quiet afternoon baking with your kids. Or maybe it’s creating a new ritual, like lighting a candle and reflecting on what you’re grateful for before sitting down to dinner. Whatever hygge looks like for you, the goal is the same: Finding joy in the small, meaningful moments.
Because at the end of the day, the holidays aren’t about how much you spend or how elaborate your celebrations are. They’re about how they make you feel. And if you ask the Danes, the happiest people in the world, that feeling should be warm, cozy and just a little bit magical.
Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju is a food and travel writer and a global food systems expert based in Seattle. She has lived in or traveled extensively to over 60 countries, and shares stories and recipes inspired by those travels on Urban Farmie.