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Hygge is a Danish way of life. It’s a defining aspect of the Danish culture and it’s often summed up in one word: cozy. While cozy is part of it, the idea of hygge extends beyond just coziness. It’s a sense of contentment. Peace. Joy.
In this blog, we’re highlighting just five simple ways to sneak more hygge moments in your autumn.
1. Light a Candle
Lighting a candle is a quick way to bring a cozy warmth to your home. In addition to creating a cozy ambiance, candles can help bring a sacred air to your home.
[Read: 5 Benefits of Using Candles During Prayers and Meditations]
When I was little, I remember my grandma would light a candle when she would pray. Many, many (many, many, many) times, it was a candle for Saint Anthony because one of us kids lost something. I can still hear my grandma saying “Tony, Tony, look around. Something’s lost that must be found.”
You don’t have to light a candle to Saint Anthony. You can light a candle with Saint Jude in mind — who doesn’t have a few hopeless causes?! Saint Dymphna, Saint Michael the Archangel, and the list goes on. The Saint Store by Ira DeWitt makes a whole series of non-toxic, soy candles with beautiful fragrances.
The Saint Jude candle is a blend of Turkish Rose and geranium. That’s a pretty calming blend to help both create a hygge moment and help you deal with any impossible causes you’re trying to overcome.
2. Read a Devotional Under a Cozy Blanket
Reading under a warm fluffy blanket is hygge in its finest form. (Bonus points if you’ve knitted the blanket yourself!)
Need inspiration? Try one of these books.
First Place Winner of the 2017 Catholic Press Association Book Award: Collections of Prayers
(Where to Buy)
(Where to Buy)
3. Listen to Music
Research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, help regulate blood pressure, and helps improve pain tolerance. Listening to music also helps improve sleep quality (assuming you choose the right playlist!), mood, mental alertness, and even your memory.
Music can also help create a hygge afternoon. Snuggle up by the fire and play some tunes while relaxing together.
4. Bundle Up for a Rosary Walk
Like listening to music, spending time in nature can also provide both physical and mental benefits.
Tip: If you wear mittens, you’ll be able to use a Rosary ring easily to keep track of your place while praying the rosary.
5. Bake!
Warm baked goods fresh from the oven! Baking homemade saffron rolls in honor of the Swedish day St. Lucia’s Day — a day that honors St. Lucia.
According to the Swedish tradition, the oldest daughter in each family makes saffron rolls on December 13 and hand delivers them to her parents in bed with a nice cup of coffee — a beautiful tradition to start for families with older daughters! (And what parents don’t love breakfast in bed?)
(And yes, December 13 is still considered fall, but there’s no reason that you can’t “test” your saffron rolls a little early!)
What about you?
How are you making your day a little more hygge? Share in the comments below!
