5 Ways to Make Thanksgiving Even More Hygge

"We kind of have the gist of it [hygge] around Thanksgiving and Christmas in the United States, when we adopt something very similar for a limited trial, but then we dump it as soon as the holidays are done," he says. "If we maintained it, maybe we would actually start to rise up in the rankings, closer to the top three or four countries in happiness."

"It has to do with being in that moment," he says. "And enjoying that moment — being together with your friends, and valuing that for what it is." ~ Hojer Klan

from Mashable.com

(1) Make it a Pajama Party

Invite your family or friends to wear the most comfortable clothes they have. You don't want to be tugging at your clothes or fixing your look during the day and neither does anyone else. Make it more about feeling comfy than looking good.

You could even have a "best cozy slippers" contest. Make it low-key & fun!

 
(2) Sink into Softness & Cozy Up

Provide throws, blankets and pillows that make your family or friends feel surrounded by warmth & comfort. You'll feel it, too, and the day will be filled with cozy moments.

"Adding soft blankets and plush pillows is another great way to easily increase your home’s cozy factor. There is no need to go for a strictly Scandinavian look—your space must represent you and your style to facilitate a hygge experience."  ~ Food52.com

(3) Offer Hot Chocolate Coziness

Something hot and delicious to drink. Hot chocolate, tea or even coffee. And an atmosphere that makes you and everyone else feel welcomed and comforted.

(4) Add Candles

Soft lighting & the warm glow of candlelight will add another hygge touch to your Thanksgiving experience. Do make sure the candles are in safe places so you won't have to worry about them, especially if the day will bring the company of children or pets.

"Interior surroundings are treated as an extension of self
and a calm refuge from winter temperatures.

Lighting as a whole is very important to Danes, who prefer to create hygge 'zones' using soft pools of light. Warm-toned lighting from ambient sources, such as lamps, are much preferred to harsh overhead bulbs." ~ Janice Blakeley, Food52

(5) Set an Intention for Sacred Family or Friend Time

"Hygge is a value. It is valuing drama free time together with your family as sacred. It is creating a psychological safe space. It is valuing connecting in the moment without having to put your guard up. It’s about agreeing that for a limited period of time that everyone will leave their past issues, work stresses, complaining, gossip and negativity at the door. It is turning your phones off and helping out so not one person gets stuck doing all the work. It is working as a team in every sense." ~ The Danish Way

BONUS TIP: Let everyone who will be eating help prepare the food. That way no one is overloaded or burdened. Don't overdo it. You deserve to have a good Thanksgiving, too. ;)

Wishing you a warm hygge gathering with your family and friends this Thanksgiving!

Love, Jeanine

P.S. A Word about Winter Blues...

If fall & winter are difficult for you because of winter blues or seasonal affective disorder, them please take care of yourself as you prepare. Get help with each step of the process if you need it.

For fellow introverts, I advise creating quiet, hygge days both before & after the gathering that are designed for enjoying your own company, for replenishing your energy & your spirits.

I used to add at least one day before a holiday and one or two afterward before going back to work and that always helped a great deal. Is that something you could do this season?

And before the big day, follow the plan you've created for yourself this winter. You may find it much easier to enjoy the day than you have before. If you don't yet have a winter happiness plan, refresh this page and sign up when the pop-up invite appears.

Love to you!

Don't Forget Dessert!