How to Create a Very Merry Hygge Christmas

I briefly talked about Hygge before but it has just been on my mind lately. Have you heard of Hygge before? If you haven’t, it is a Danish word that you actually pronounce like this- “Hoo-Guh”….so now as you read this post you will say it right in your head, because I sure wasn’t! Basically Hygge is a cozy, relaxed, comforting (if a house can do that? I think so) home. Not only is it how you decorate your home it is what you DO in your home. I partnered with Antique Candle Works and I thought this is the perfect opportunity to share some tips on creating a Very Merry Hygge Christmas! Because candles are probably the #1 way to have a Very Merry Hygge Christmas! Lots of cozy pictures coming your way…so get a blanket and settle in….

First let’s chat what I think Hygge (Hoo-guh:)) is. To me it is no-fuss. Simple. Now by simple I don’t mean it has to be minimalist decor, just not so staged. It is all about enjoying the simple pleasures in life. 

Hygge Christmas Tip #1- Light Your Candles

Yes #1 is candles. But you have to actually burn them to create Hygee. It is ENJOYING the simple luxuries in life. I ALWAYS have a candle burning. I remember I was maybe 16 and being at my Aunts house for a baby shower. She had all these pretty candles and I commented that she should actually light her candles and enjoy them! I guess that my pet-peeve of candles that don’t even have a black stem from being used started at an early age (now I bet you will start to notice that). I am loving “Christmas Day” scented candle from Antique Candle Works, it smells so yummy. (Great Christmas git too, Holiday candles are 10% off HERE). 

Hygge Christmas Tip #2- Bring Nature Indoors

Typically Christmas is a little too cold to spend a lot of time outdoors. So it is essential to bring outdoors indoors! And not to mention FREE Christmas decor is even better. I added a branch of fresh pine from one of my garlands in a pitcher on our table. 

Hygge Christmas Tip #3- Don’t stage your Christmas decor

Don’t stage your home. For instance our table is small in out kitchen, about 38″ round. I don’t want anything big or intrusive on the table that I have to move every time we sit down to eat. I want things to be casual. It isn’t very Hygge or relaxing to have to move all your decorations off your table so you can eat. Even if it is a formal dining space or you never eat at the table, it feels more inviting to have something a little more practical. So for Christmas I just set out candle sticks with tappers in them. Along with THIS scented candle (my favorite scent!). I chose not to put a tray under it, that few too contrived and “staged”. 

Hygge Christmas Tip #4- Decorate with Things you Actually use and Make Something 

Hygee is using what you have, anyone can create a Hygge Christmas without spending a dime. Well any additional money. On our Tea Cart I decorated with bottles of festive drinks that we could use and will eventually. I also stacked bowls and dishes on the cart along with napkins that we do use. Add another candle and you are set! Also making something in your home is the action of Hygge, make some cookies and share them with loved ones. 

Hygge Christmas Tip #5- Add Soft Fabrics and Read a Book

Bring in cozy materials, Hygge Christmas is sweaters, fur and all things soft. You want to feel comfortable and relaxed…enough so that you want to slow down and read a book. Sign me up! I have throws blankets easily accessible. Also keep your pillows fluffed, but not so upright (if that makes sense) create an inviting look that you could and will actually sit there and not feel awkward. 

Hygge Christmas Tip #6- Create Intimacy 

I read somewhere that the word Hygge originates from a word that means wellbeing! Sometimes also called the art of creating intimacy. So keep your coffee table simple with a cluster of varied height candles, it feels warm and intimate already! I added THIS candle and THIS one for a height variation. Put away the lap top (talking to myself) and just BE this Christmas Season…it will add to your wellbeing. 

While those candles are so pretty on my table…there is a time and a season for everything. So if you have little ones, like I do. Cue- Finn waking up from his nap. Keep your coffee table simple with a stack of Christmas books. 

Maybe put your candles up high, like I have to (don’t forget to blow those out after an hour or two).

Hygge Christmas Tip #7- Avoid Overhead Lights and Add Glowing Lights in Unexpected Places 

At Christmas think outside of the box and put twinkle lights in a bookcase or around a window. Don’t limit the lights to just your big Christmas tree. Hopefully this will help avoid turning on that glaring overhead light. And consider leaving a few twinkle lights well into January for a mood booster and Hygee well after Christmas is over. 

I wish you Very (early) Merry Hygge Christmas! And thank you for helping to support Small Businesses like Antique Candle Works who sponsor Nesting with Grace Blog to keep it running! You can still take advantage of Antique Candle Works – Scent of the Month, “Christmas Day” It’s 10% off  for December! They come in beautiful linen sacks and ready to give to your friends, teachers and neighbors. Find them HERE.

PS-Funny video on how to say Hygge HERE (thanks to my reader who sent it to me!)

PSS- You can always Shop My Home HERE

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