When gray clouds roll around and cold temperatures set in, it’s tempting to want to push through with business as usual and pray for Spring! But each change of season brings with it something special to savor. In Denmark, they call this time hygge (pronounced “hoog-gah”), a concept that celebrates coziness, connection, comfort and simple joys. Winter, by its very nature, invites us into a season of rest and reflection. So grab a cozy blanket, turn on the fireplace, and let’s explore ways you can turn this dark, cold season into a season of warm memories with your little ones!
What is hygge and why do preschoolers love it?
As I stated earlier, Hygge is all about coziness and connection. It’s less about home decor, and more about the calm, welcoming environment you are creating. When it’s dark and cold outside, what ‘s better than low lights from lamps, yummy smelling candles, and a cozy fire? Sprinkle in some familiar traditions or routines, a less busy schedule, and simple moments of connection, and you have created a space that feels inviting and safe.
If you’ve been following along with the blog for a while now, you know that children thrive on predictable routines, warm adult relationships, and environments that make them feel safe and loved. That is what hygge is all about! Read on to find out how you create these spaces in your home, and how we at Wishing Well try to incorporate a little hygge of our own!
How to create a hygge environment at home
Who knew slowing down and getting cozy could be such an important part of childhood development? Well, we did! And it’s good for adults too! Slowing down helps everyone reset and gear up for the longer sunny days Spring and Summer brings. Those days are full of work and play. Here are some ways to embrace the rest Winter has to offer.
Create a cozy space
It’s no surprise that childcare settings can be a little overstimulating. Our classrooms are full of beautiful visual stimulation and bright lights for learning, as well as lots of busy and excited children! This is fine for a few hours, but we know your kiddos need places to calm their minds and bodies. That’s why we create cozy spaces for rest and relaxation. You can do this at home as well!
Consider creating a reading nook with soft lighting, a cozy rug, and some plush pillows and blankets. Throughout the home, you can use soft lamplight, instead of harsh or bright overhead lighting. You may also like the glow of battery-operated candles or twinkle lights, warm or neutral colors for decorating, and lots of cozy blankets and pillows on couches or common spaces, perfect for cuddling up with each other. Consider arranging furniture in a way that invites connection through conversation or shared activities. Next, we’ll discuss some activities that foster that connection hygge is all about!
Hygge inside and out
Snuggle up for storytime!
If getting cozy is the goal of hygge, nothing quite fits the bill like cuddling up with a good book! Your preschooler may love plopping on a shag rug or a large floor pillow and flipping through picture books for hours. Perhaps you have a window seat cushion where your child can read while enjoying the winter snow from under a warm blanket. Better yet, cozy up together on the couch by the fire with a cup of cocoa and enjoy a story together. This simple activity brings comfort and connection to your child, not to mention boosting their language development and emotional bonding! There are a million wonderful books to choose from, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention one of my favorites, “Bear Snores On,” a sweet story from Karma Wilson’s beloved book series about Bear and his Woodland friends. Nothing says hygge like hibernation, afterall!
Hygge Creativity
Winter is a great time to get crafty, but hygge creativity is all about process over perfection. It’s about connection over the final product. So, when considering creative ways you and your preschooler can spend your time, keep things simple and slow. The possibilities are endless. Consider the following list of cozy creative activities your child can enjoy with you or independently:
- Water Color Painting
- Make play-doh with cinnamon or vanilla scents.
- Cut out paper snow flakes
- Simple winter creations made from recycled materials like empty food containers or toilet paper tubes, string or yarn, popsicle sticks, scraps of paper, cotton balls, etc.
- Coloring sheets with winter scenes or cozy images
Comfort Foods
There’s something primitive about wanting comfort foods during the cold winter months. Centuries ago, hunters and gatherers needed to put on extra weight to help keep them warm during the bitter cold months. Creating hygge through food isn’t just about eating high calorie foods and loading up on bread. It can also be a sensory experience that fosters warmth and togetherness. Heating up the oven or the stove and serving up a bowl of warm soup or savory cinnamon rolls brings warmth inside and out. The process of preparing tasty and nutritious treats and meals and sharing them together fosters that connection hygge celebrates! You can probably think of many fond memories tied to your kitchen, and maybe even have some traditional dishes you enjoy preparing only in the winter months. So grab our preschoolers, whip up something warm and yummy, and savor the smells and tastes together around your table. Consider lighting a candle for some extra hygge points!
Hygge Outdoors
So far all we’ve talked about is being warm and cozy, but the hygge philosophy extends to the great outdoors as well! Because hygge embraces simple pleasures and a slower pace, these outdoor activities won’t include snow skiing or epic snowball fights. Outdoor hygge looks more like bundling up and enjoying:
- Outdoor nature walks, crunching through the snow or leaves
- Collecting pinecones for crafts
- Observing winter birds
(You may also consider making these simple bird feeder ornaments to hang on bare, winter trees!)
Slow Down and Enjoy
It seems the key to embracing hygge with your preschooler is pacing. Winter is an invitation to slow down. As you take your cue from nature, with its shorter days and longer nights, you may just find that what preschoolers need- what you need- is not more stimulation, but more connection. What other ways might you create cozy, comfy, connected spaces where you can enjoy simple joys together this winter? We look forward to inviting your little one into our classroom with all the warmth of hygge this winter! If you are curious about Wishing Well, you can book a tour today!