Dark Nights are drawing in - snuggle up with these warming ideas

It’s that time of year.  The weather in the UK is damp and foggy, we’ve all switched our heating systems on and daylight hours are becoming noticeably shorter. Is snuggling up a British guilty pleasure or winter survival technique?

Hygge is a thing

Broadly translated as "cosiness," "togetherness" or "well-being" and closely related to that “Christmassy” feeling we all get. Hygge is what gets Northern European’s through their long, dark winters.

Originally a Norwegian concept, it is thought that Hygge is responsible for Denmark topping the European Commission's well-being and happiness index for 40 years in a row.

Hygge is more than snuggling up on the sofa with a good book – but that’s a great place to start. You can Hygge your home by making it warm and inviting. Candles are great Hygge - so are luxurious curtains and cushions.  Spread Hygge amongst your friends by offering intimate and special moments together.  Host candle-lit suppers, board game evenings or mince pies and mulled wine, for the ultimate in Hygge hospitality.

More on Hygge on the Visit Denmark website.

Great Food and Great Company

Nothing warms the soul more than a fabulous seasonal feast eaten in good company.  This time of year the UK boasts an enormous array of vegetables in season. Think along the lines of large bowls of casserole, with crusty bread or even dumplings – followed by crisp apple pie.

Vegetables can be delivered to your door using an on line service or take a trip to your local farmers’ market; you may even be able to harvest them from your own back garden. Fresh produce will give you a vitamin boost to keep colds at bay and increase fibre intake aiding digestion as you become more sedentary.

However you get hold of them, seasonal vegetables will nourish the body as well as the soul when you snuggle down this winter.

Keep Moving Keep Warm

In cooler weather the temptation is to get warm and stay warm.  Close the curtains and settle down in front of the TV or with a good book.  But we must make an effort to get outside each day and brave the weather.  Keeping active during winter will help us maintain our vitamin D levels and keep our spirits up.

Oder people, in particular, need to make the effort to get out and socialise.  Can you help a neighbour or relative by offering to take them out for an hour or so? It will boost morale for both of you.

Far from a guilty pleasure, snuggling up this winter and spreading Hygge amongst your friends and family is definitely a great way to survive this winter.