Cozy January

Every year after Christmas, I fall into a seasonal depression. The function of Christmas happiness approaches infinity and then, after the 25th, quickly reverses toward the abyss. I’ve never been able to successfully lessen that curve... until now. 

This year, I decided to indulge myself post-holidays. Want to get a facial? Schedule one! Want to try aerial yoga? Go for it! Want to keep up some twinkly lights? Yes, please. 

It sounds so insanely simple. But figure in a husband (that you want to keep a connection with), two children you want to smother with love (and get them away from screens), a house we’re renovating ourselves, and a full-time, high-stress job, it’s not. 

Last year, the Danish word hygge started to make it’s way into my consciousness. Hygge apparently represents how the Danish are able to find warmth and light in the darkest of the winter months. I’m willing to learn (culturally appropriate) from any culture that knows about coping with the dark and cold. At first, I thought it was about decorating a certain way during the winter months. But the more I read, the more it became clear that it was less about how things look and more about your actions. For example: having a hot cup of tea with friends, or cuddling up with family to watch a movie, or putting on a cozy pair of socks. Literally anything that makes you feel warm, content, and connected to others is hygge. I’m into it.

So, as I put away the Christmas decorations, I kept out the small, white twinkly fairy lights. I replaced my Santas with an array of ivory candles. Then I sat in the room for a bit and enjoyed the warm glow. Instead of worrying about Etsy, I put on insanely soft socks and made blueberry muffins. I savored the look on the boys faces as they bit into the warm, sweet muffins. Work on the downstairs bathroom? Sure, yes, a little bit, but then let’s stop and have coffee and watch a movie with the kids. Ahhh.

But what about…? Nope. Not today, Satan of my mind. Robber of my joy. Today, we lay in bed if we want to. We cook or order in. Either way. Whatever we do, we will savor feeling warm, feeling cozy, feeling connected to my family… and myself. 

Gratuitous picture of a boy and his dog.