Have you heard of hygge? In short, hygge (pronounced hoo-guh) is a Danish word derived from the Norwegian word “hugga”, which roughly translates to a feeling of coziness, comfort, relaxation, and general well-being. With all that is going on in the world right now, it is no wonder the philosophy of hygge is catching on. Who isn’t longing for a little comfort and warmth these days? We rounded up a few ideas to help you make this pandemic winter a cozy, comfortable, peaceful time so your family can enjoy the best of the season.
Looking for more things to do this winter in Des Moines? Be sure to check out the dsm4kids’ Events Calendar and Winter Fun Guide.
Here’s a few ideas on how to bring a little hygge to your home this winter in Des Moines:
Curl Up with a Good Book
Start a family book club. Choose a book for everybody to read and then discuss or read it aloud as a family.
Out & About:
In addition to many marvelous libraries, Des Moines is also home to a few bookshops. Beaverdale Books (2629 Beaver Avenue # S1, Des Moines, IA 50310) is a local neighborhood bookstore for all ages, instilling a love of reading in the community. The cozy shop is quaint and ideal for scouring shelves when you’re on the hunt for the perfect new book to enjoy.
At Home:
Choose a book to read as a family that also has been shown as a film. Read the book, then watch the movie and compare the two. You can choose from an array of new and classic books to enjoy as a family.
Toasty Warm Socks
Warm socks are a comfy winter essential we often take for granted. Brighten your winter mood with a new pair of socks.
Out & About:
What’s more hygge than learning to knit your own socks? Yarn Junction in Valley Junction offers a range of classes for beginning and experienced needle artists. They also offer video tutorials. Knitting, crochet and weaving classes are offered, including classes to knit your very own pair of socks. If you’re not into knitting a pair of socks, no problemo, visit Bing’s (also in Valley Junction) instead. They have a wide assortment of silly crazy footwear.
At Home:
Play your favorite indoor games sock footed….Twister, the floor is lava, or have an indoor snowball fight. You could also use the socks as game pieces. Wad some up and shoot baskets or use them as the snowballs. You could also make sock puppets or other crafts using socks.
Comforting Candles
Light some candles during dinner one evening to create a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.
Out & About:
Candle Bar DSM (130 5th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265) is a pour-your-own candle studio. Choose from their selection of containers to fit any style or budget. And, then select the scent that makes you think of comfort, relaxation, or warm memories from their library of 55 single scents. You can also check out Currently Co. a local candle business that is offering three hygge-inspired soy candle fragrances poured in sleek ceramic jars.
At Home:
Turn out the lights and light some candles. Host a tech-free dinner for the family. No screens, no electric light—just enjoy a candlelit dinner together talking and sharing ideas. The meal doesn’t have to be fancy, in fact, the simpler the better. The goal is simply to shut out distractions and spend some quality time together.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Winter can be beautiful. Nature is quiet and serene, and the outdoors is waiting to be explored.
Out & About:
Visit one of the city’s many parks and nature centers and explore their paved trails. Listen for birds, look for nests, watch for animal tracks and enjoy the quiet. Some of our favorites include:
Annett Nature Center – Indianola
Big Creek State Park – Polk City
Brenton Arboretum – Dallas Center
Brown’s Woods – West Des Moines
Hawkeye Park – Ankeny
Jester Park – Granger
Walker Johnston Park – Urbandale
Water Works Park – Des Moines
Yellow Banks Park – Pleasant Hill
At Home:
Spend some time bird watching on the deck (be on the lookout for eagles). View the night sky through a telescope. Light a fire in the firepit and make s’mores. Go sledding, ice skating, and play in the snow. Don’t let the cold temps keep you inside. The winter offers so much to enjoy outside all season long.
Warm Drinks
Hot tea, cocoa, cider, coffee … sipping warm drinks can warm the soul on a cold winter’s day.
Out & About:
Des Moines is home to several coffee shops and bakeries where you can find a little something to warm you up on a cold winter’s day. Scenic Route Bakery is beloved for made-from-scratch bakery items, perfectly complemented by a warm drink. And, Java Joe’s Coffeehouse is a delightful shop in the heart of downtown. You can also pick up some BLK and Bold coffee, which is roasted locally here in Des Moines for the adults and some hot chocolate bombs for the kiddos.
At Home:
Paint your own personal mug to enjoy cocoa and cider at home. Glazed Expressions (Ankeny and Clive) sells at-home art kits so you can pick up projects to paint or make at home and then return to the shop where they will fire them in their kiln. After painting your own personal mug, make some homemade cocoa to enjoy with popcorn and a family game or movie night.
How do you plan to incorporate the benefits of hygge into your home life this winter?
