12 Hygge Christmas Ideas To Warm Your Soul

Celebrate Christmas this year in the spirit of Hygge. Looking for ways to celebrate the season that embrace the Danish influenced Hygge mentality or way of life? These 12 Hygge Christmas ideas are sure to warm the soul.

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What is Hygge?
Hygge Christmas Ideas
12 Hygge Christmas Ideas To Warm Your Soul
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What is Hygge?

Everyone is referencing hygge these days, but what does it mean?

Technically hygge is a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.

In this day and age of “bigger is better” and always chasing after “something more” the spirit of hygge is one that could do us all good.

Focusing on what truly brings you joy and happiness is at the heart of hygge.

Hygge is a mentality or way of life that originated in Denmark.

The Danish are considered to be some of the happiest and most content people in the world. This is largely attributed to their hygge approach to life.

DID YOU KNOW?
Hygge is commonly mispronounced. The English pronunciation of hygge is “hoo-gah”

Hygge Christmas Ideas

Turn off the technology & focus on conversation

Focus on the people you love and care about with all of your attention as you enjoy a warm drink or meal together.
Do this without the distraction of technology and show the people in your life that you are in the moment with them and how much you care.

Hygge is all about embracing what you have and appreciating the things around you.

Take the time to be fully engaged in what you are doing, when you are doing it.

All too often we feel the need to multi-task (or attempt to unsuccessfully) and miss out on being completely engaged in the moment.

Create a Hygge Christmas by putting away any distractions and by engaging in meaningful conversation with your guests, family and friends.

Make Smores on the Campfire

Bundle up and enjoy a sweet treat of smores while gathering with your friends and family.
Put your smores ingredients on a tray and enjoy the people you’re with as you enjoy a sweet holiday treat.

Don’t have access to a fire pit? You can use a grill outside OR try using the oven to set your smores.

Sometimes, the more creative you are the more fun you will have.

Go Outside and Build a Snowman

Embrace the beauty of the season and make snowmen with your loved ones. Pop in some twigs and improvise with elements nature provides to decorate your snowman!

Nature provides beautiful opportunities to create and appreciate all its beauty. Go for a walk and take a few minutes to build a snowman!

This is a great group activity for parties and family gatherings too!

Take a Nature Walk

Embrace the beauty of the season and take a peaceful nature walk. Take time to appreciate the changes in the environment and how the earth is able to adapt to the changes.

Nothing is more in line with the Hygge approach or mentality than being fully in the moment as you soak in the breathtaking views.

This Christmas, make it a point to take a nature walk with the intention of slowing down and truly seeing everything around you.

Christmas Day Letters

Write a letter on Christmas day of all of the things you’re thankful for. Emphasize what you have learned about yourself as you went through the year.
Do this as a family activity by adding the letter to a binder or book that will be read next year.

Christmas day letters are much like a time capsule.

It is always enlightening to read back over previous years letters and reminisce about years past.

Christmas Ornament Rescue

Set out to find an old ornament in a local thrift store or rummage sale. Not only does this make good use of reusing forgotten or neglected decor, it feels good to repurpose it.
This is a great activity for a family as well. Everyone can add their special ornament rescue to the tree on Christmas Eve.

There is something about finding forgotten or discarded items in a second-hand shop that is just heartwarming.

You are breathing new life into something that was purchased to bring joy.

Try adding a little something to your Christmas Ornament Rescue. Add fresh or dried floral, completely paint and re-do it or add personalization.

Secret Angel – Acts of Kindness

This is such a fun idea that will undoubtedly gain tons of popularity.
A week or two before Christmas put everyone in the family’s name in a box. Everyone draws a name. (You can’t draw your own name) Next, you commit to doing a secret kind act for the person you draw.
No one says anything about who they drew or who carried out the kind act until a designated time.
Options for the Secret Angel reveal could be Christmas Eve at a family gathering, Christmas breakfast or Christmas dinner!

Taking the time do something kind for someone (no gifts allowed) shows them you know what they love, what they care about and that you understand what makes them tick.

Secret Angel is a great way to have a Hygge Christmas!

Host an Upcycle Party

Consider celebrating the Christmas holiday by inviting family and friends to upcycle something from their home.
There are several options for how to do this, but they could upcycle their own item or swap items to be surprised with how the item is repurposed.
Try having everyone set their item out on a table with a piece of paper under it. All guests write ideas for the upcycle underneath.
This is a fun and creative way to celebrate the holiday that is earth conscious.

Christmas has become one of the most commercialized holidays of the year which completely contradicts the meaning of the holiday.

Make this Christmas about friends and family coming together to breathe new life into things they already own. When those items become gifts, you are doing good for each other and the environment at the same time.

It’s a win – win!

12 Days of Christmas – Memory Lane

Rather than celebrating the 12 days of Christmas with food or gifts, gather around the fireplace and share Christmas memories about family members that are no longer with you.
You can also put a different spin on this by providing a night for everyone to share their favorite Christmas memory.

The options for how you do a No-Gifts 12 Days of Christmas is totally up to you. Whatever you do, focus on the Hygge spirit and fully engage in the time spent with your family and friends.

Take In A Local Nativity Show

Every year churches around the world put on a Nativity Story for their congregation.
Plan to visit a neighboring church to see their version of the story of the birth of Christ.

Of course there is always the option for streaming a nativity show but there is something about the simplicity and reality of watching real people in person that brings this activity to life.

Watch The Nutcracker in a Local Theater

Local ballet companies go to great lengths to produce this timeless play every year. Find a local opportunity to see their version of this international classic!

Don’t have a local ballet or dance company?

When all else fails, stream it. Many communities now have streaming available for a minimal fee. (One of the few good things to come from quarantine)

Handmade Holiday Decor

Take advantage of local natural elements to make your holiday decor this year.
Want to make it a family affair? Plan a day of food and creative fun to put together garland with popcorn, cranberries and local branches.

Who says you need to be a crafty person to make holiday decor?

Simple and useful creations are perfect for your Hygge Christmas!