One of the best and most satisfying parts of the winter months is doing less. That means slowing down, snuggling up, and just feeling cozy. There's a term for that, and it's called "hygge." And if you're wondering how you can be totally hygge this winter, look no further.
Families are meant to spend time together. But if you're bored with your low-key winter, and maybe a little bored of your family, there are plenty of things you can do to just bask in those cozy, winter vibes. The best part is, they don't have to cost a thing, and they don't require much energy either.
That's the real beauty of the hygge way — it's about simplicity and being together.
Here are eight totally hygge activities the whole family can enjoy this winter.
1. Build an Extra-Cozy Fort
I know what you're thinking. Building a fort is an activity for kids. But it can actually be fun for everyone if you up your fort game. I'm talking the coziest pillows and blankets. Maybe even throw a space heater (safely!) in there. Snuggle down in a fort built for royalty, and just hang out! You can play imagination games or board games. Bring in the iPad and watch a movie, or sip on hot cocoa. Nothing says cozy wintertime like an epic fort you could hang out in for days.
2. Build a Bonfire
Having a backyard bonfire isn't tough, as long as you have somewhere to build a fire. It could be in a fire pit or even a hole in the ground! Make sure you look into safety precautions when you're building a fire, of course. But gathering around the warm flames, no matter the weather, will have your whole family feeling those cozy, hygge vibes. Don't forget to bundle up, and definitely don't forget the marshmallows!
3. Have a Movie Marathon
There aren't many more relaxing, cozy things than watching a movie. But watching movies all day is even cozier! When you're bored with nothing to do but hang out, family movies are the perfect fix. You can watch one of the many new family-friendly movies that have been recently released. Better yet, you can introduce your kids to some old classics. They might love them. They might hate them. But the important thing is being together while watching them!
4. Have a Baking Day
Baking together can be … frustrating. But if you have a super-chill attitude, it's the perfect way to spend time together as a family. Break out the aprons, the flour, and the roller. Whether you bake from scratch or grab some slice-and-bake cookies from the grocery store, it really doesn't matter. Your house will smell like baked goods in no time. You'll be spending quality time together, and you get to eat them! Bring on the cozy winter vibes … and the cookies.
5. Decorate for the Holidays
Decorating brings so much joy into your home. It also brings the holiday spirit. But the best part is that you don't have to leave your home for those good feels. Making your home extra cozy is definitely something we can get behind this year, especially because we aren't going far. If we have to be home all the time, making it extra cozy is a must, and everyone benefits from it.
6. Create a Reading Nook
Creating little hideaways in your home is fun for everyone. It's a place little kids can go to play hide-and-seek. But it's also a place older kids and adults can go to have some time alone to read or just hang out. Enlist your kids to help you find a little nook, like under the stairs or close to a window that can serve as a reading nook. Let them help decorate it and truly make it unique!
7. Learn To Knit
Learning to knit is not all that easy. But there are lots of different ways of learning. These days, the internet can work wonders! You can watch videos on YouTube or take a class online. If knitting is too tough for little fingers, there's another perfect fix: finger knitting! It's super easy to learn and create all kinds of cool projects. Either way, the earlier kids get comfortable with yarn, the more likely they are to love knitting all their lives.
8. Make Some Soaps and Scrubs as Gifts
Making soaps and scrubs is not all that tough. There are tons of recipes to check out for easy creation. A simple scrub be made of Epsom salt, olive oil, and a sprinkle of your favorite essential oil. If you make a big batch together as a family, you can put them in jars and have gifts for everyone you know and love. It's a fun little hygge activity that kids will love helping out with. An added bonus? You'll save big on gifts!
