Holiday Hygge: The Ultimate Guide to Comfort & Joy

What is hygge, you ask? It’s a feeling of comfort, an “at ease” vibe, the collision of the senses, the swirl of emotions that add up to joy, home, love, contentment, and belonging. The Danish call it hygge. A couple of years ago, I started researching hygge and found the whole concept fascinating.

I was intrigued, mostly because of where I was in my own life. The idea of Back Porch Bliss came from what I was craving most and how I was aspiring to live. This notion of “living our good old days,” surfaced from much reflection on life and gained wisdom. It’s not always the big, grand occasions we remember; it can be the small, quiet moments. The spaces we create and the people we surround ourselves with. It’s an intentional way of life. It’s about home and what feels like home.

Holiday Hygge

When I think of the holidays, so many memories come to mind. Memories of Christmas Eve celebrations with my grandparents and cousins; memories of baking together, decorating a live tree and holiday music. Holiday sounds, holiday smells. Holiday hygge!

One of my favorite traditions happens annually on Christmas Eve at a small old church in my hometown. I can conjure up the whole feeling of the moment everytime I smell beeswax. I remember the loving and reverant way each individual lights their candle from the person beside them as the collective light illuminates the whole church. It still takes my breath away and leaves me a little choked up. It’s truly the moment I feel, “Christmas is here.”

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Boll & Branch, who gifted me a set of signature hemmed sheets. I was also gifted products from Oldfield Society and The Republic of Tea. All expressed opinions are sincere and my own. Some links on this site are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Fun fact: When Danes were asked what they associate with hygge, these were the top ten: hot drinks, candles, fireplaces, Christmas, board games, music, holiday, sweets and cake, cooking and books.

You don’t need me to tell you that 2020 has been a year like no other, and I dare say we could all benefit from a little comfort and joy this holiday season.

Find Your Hygge Printable

One of my favorite things to do is to play a board game or watch a movie, drink something warm by a crackling fire. Bonus Hygge: I’d look out the window and there would be falling snow that would point to another slow day of reading, writing, or playing in the snow. 

What brings you comfort and joy? I created this printable to help you find your own holiday hygge. If you want, this could be a fun exercise with your loved ones as you talk about how you’ll spend the holidays this year.

Creating Holiday Hygge at Home + Gift Ideas

Think Cozy Comfort

How about spending the day in bed for a holiday movie marathon, with your favorite fluffy pillows and these incredibly soft 100% organic sheets from Boll & Branch? These sheets are so dreamy, it’s like sleeping on a cloud. I’m also in love with these festive red tartan flannel sheets. Light a favorite candle (like these handmade anthology candles from Oldfield Society!), put on your favorite Christmas jammies, warm socks, and pop the popcorn.

If you’re traveling for Christmas or need a gift for someone who does, check out The Comfort Bundle. The set includes a travel bag, pillow insert and cover, throw and eye mask. If purchasing fair trade products is important to you, Boll & Branch products will give you another reason to sleep better at night.

Think Family Fun

Here’s the board game I’m currently obsessed with, along with one of my all-time faves! And if you like puzzles (and NC), here is a really sweet coastal one and an NC Christmas one from the Our State store. 

Think Homemade or Vintage

I adore homemade gifts– both receiving and giving. Tap into your creative side, and knit a scarf for someone special. I just found this faux-fur yarn, which I think would be so cozy and fun! Or make someone a basket of their favorite things.

How about making a beautiful keepsake photo gift for your loved ones, perhaps a photo book, ornament, calendar, or holiday prints? Mpix treats your products as if they were their own; the quality is impeccable. I made my mom this accordion mini-book of her grandchildren and she loved it.

Some homemade gifts become keepsakes. I still have the handmade tree with hand-painted ornaments my dad made me when I was three. It is one of my most-treasured decorations that just brings up all the feelings when I see it twinkling each Christmas.

Here are two simple builds that would make great gifts: our homemade advent calendar with printable cards and our plans for a coastal pallet wood tree.

Think Local

For gift-giving, I think local comforts can be very hyggelig and doesn’t it feel good to support them? Like a local membership to a place or organization, you love dearly? Old Salem is that place for me. Or a gift card to a favorite Indie bookstore, a favorite coffee shop, or a quaint restaurant. And order ahead for delivery of unique holiday treats and Moravian gifts. I’m sure you have your own favorites that feel like home.

Think Relaxation

Baking is also very hygge— the smell of something delicious in the oven like these Rosemary Cheddar Scones. Turn on the twinkle lights, put on your favorite holiday playlist and your comfiest yoga pants. Snuggle up by the fire with a good book and nibble on one (or two!) of these. I would pair with my favorite Honey Ginseng tea or a holiday one and sip and savor. These tea tins make an excellent basket stuffer, or pair with a gorgeous teapot.

Think Slow Food

While we’re talking comfort, why not gather around the table for a rustic, casual meal, like a hearty pot roast in a slow-cooker. With roasted carrots and egg noodles in beef broth. And a beautiful loaf of sourdough baked in an enameled dutch oven. These two cooking classics would make great gifts for someone who feels at home in the kitchen.

Set up (or gift!) a hot cocoa bar with mugs and keep it out all season. No fuss, no muss. If you want to bake a decadent dessert, try this one my kids love to make.

Think Tradition

This Hadley pottery is beautiful for a hearty, casual meal. Three generations in my family have used this signature blue pottery. And three generations on the other side have made the pot roast! Hadley has seasonal patterns, but this year I think I’d be more likely to use the pattern that looks like home sweet home.

More Hygge, Less Hustle

I’d love to hear your ideas about how you’ll make this holiday season more hygge, less hustle! And here’s a little gift (for your gifts!) from me to you. When you sign up for the newsletter, you can download, print and trim! Punch a small hole in the top of the tag and use ribbon to tie to your gifts.

Peace be with you and yours this holiday season.