Winters in Iceland, though not as cold as Midwestern ones, are much darker, with only four hours of daylight in December. As winter looms, I hope to share with you my Scandinavian skills in hygge — our word for deriving contentment from coziness — to inspire you to find some comfort in the dim winter ahead.
Soft lighting
I opt for diffused light sources throughout my home, as few things peeve me more than harsh, overhead lighting. I wake up with a sunrise-simulating alarm clock, do my work and reading with lamps, eat dinner with unscented taper candles, and take vitamin D enriched lýsi (cod liver oil) daily. I let the sunlight in when available and try to adjust to its new rhythm. One blessing of a snowfall is brightening up the view from my window!
Teatime
Called fika in Sweden, this is a time in the afternoon to share a warm drink and sweets with friends, family, or coworkers. Many of us are prone to the afternoon slump, and this is a perfect way to fill my cup. Around Christmas in Iceland, we indulge in a box of chocolates or homemade waffles with jam and whipped cream, with our coffee or tea. And then, back to work!
Spending time in the kitchen
Icelanders eat simple, hearty dinners throughout the year, but we relish being in the kitchen. I savor the extra time in the winter to turn on 98.7 (Chicago’s classical station) or a podcast, get chopping, and share my creations with dear ones.
Baking is very meditative for me, as I adore precision and feeling accomplished. In Iceland, our preferred holiday cookie is piparköku, a thin ginger snap with a peppery kick, and the smell emanating from the oven turns my home into a clove haven. I bake cookies for my grandmother yearly, making for a sentimental though not long-lasting gift.
Keeping busy
A yarn basket remains within arm’s reach in Scandinavian homes. Yes, we SAIC students are already creative, but I try to hone in on my hobbies during the winter: the sweater that I started to knit this summer, a granny-square blanket that I’ve been slowly crocheting (a staple in Icelandic bedrooms), personalized Christmas cards, Pinterest crafts, etc. Knitting with friends is an ideal cozy activity when I’m otherwise holed up inside, and motivates me to complete my projects.
Steam and sweat
Outdoor pool culture is paramount in Scandinavia year-long: most Icelanders stop by the pool on their way home from work, to either catch up with friends or enjoy solitary peace of mind. If I had a gym membership with a hot tub and sauna, I’d go bask in that steam. Instead, I take red-light showers and focus on my skincare routine: Blue Lagoon and Sóley (I am partial to the name) sell their cosmetics online. I exercise three to four times per week (with others!) and aim for 10,000 steps daily, as movement optimizes cognitive function, mood, and metabolism.
Proper attire
To state the obvious, I feel better when my body is warm. The key is layers and keeping my head, neck, and feet cozy. I’ve recently stocked up on my Uniqlo Heattech gear and keep my inniskór on at home (in Reykjavík, we are fond of hand-knit slippers and our lopapeysur, traditional wool sweaters). I am grateful to have received many 66 North (our equivalent of North Face) garments as a Christmas present over the years.
Television
Watching something before bedtime is part of the hygge lifestyle, and it seems to fall into three categories: comfort shows, anything British, and murder mystery series. Some that I enjoy, and that are available in the U.S., are “The Great British Bake Off,” “Gilmore Girls,” “The Crown,” “Downton Abbey,” and “Hunting Wives.” If I want to feel like I’m up north, I search for anything Nordic Noir.
Getting my nose in a book
I impatiently await having time to read my books. This winter, I’ll be finishing “Little Women” at last. It’s the perfect time to get back to a summer beachy romance, or to delve into something new, like a Scandinavian mystery. Having something short to read with my coffee is a pleasant way to start my day, so I have been catching up on my Vanity Fair and The New Yorker subscriptions. My aunt in Reykjavík drinks Earl Grey tea with the morning newspaper before starting a breakfast conversation.
Embrace
What I feel is most important is embracing the winter, not fighting it. Yes, it is uncomfortable to be stuck inside, and cold when I do venture out, but winter can be a wonder. I will sleep in, keep a stash of lakkrís (black licorice) in my purse, and wear my favorite sweaters, because before I know it, I’ll be in class again, wishing I had made that stew and read that book when I still had the time.
