As the daylight fades and the temperature drops, it’s easy to slip into a state of perma-gloom, muttering under your breath about how you should’ve moved to LA. But wait—don’t despair just yet! If there's one group of people who have nailed the art of winter survival without spiraling into a Netflix-fueled existential crisis, it’s the Scandinavians.
This band of northern European countries—Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, with honorary mentions for Iceland and Finland—has found ways to not only survive the dark, cold season but actually enjoy it. While most of us fight the urge to crawl under a pile of blankets from November to March, Scandinavians take an entirely different approach. They have developed unique cultural practices that emphasize coziness, connection, and a very intentional approach to living that is as wholesome as it is mildly insufferable (but in a good way, of course).
Here’s a rundown of six Scandinavian winter trends to try, each one a gentle reminder that sometimes, the best way to deal with winter is to embrace it—candlelight and wool blankets included.
1. Hygge – Embrace Your Inner Blanket-Burrito
By now, you’ve probably heard of hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”), which became an international sensation a few years back. It’s the Danish concept of cozy contentment and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Imagine the ambiance of a Pinterest board dedicated to fall aesthetics: soft lighting, chunky knit socks, and mugs of something warm.
Hygge is about finding happiness in the everyday and making the mundane enjoyable. Instead of grumbling through your dreary morning tasks, add a touch of hygge: light a candle while you make coffee, wrap yourself in a sweater that feels like a wearable hug, or even try reading that dull report from work by firelight (or at least with a warm drink and a cozy blanket).
The beauty of hygge lies in its simplicity. Unlike your usual overblown Pinterest DIY project, this one doesn’t demand perfection. So pour that tea, settle into your favorite chair, and remember that joy can be as simple as a pair of wool socks.
2. G̦kotta РBecome a Morning Person (Sort Of)
Yes, gökotta (pronounced “yo-KOH-tah”) sounds like a Pokémon, but it’s actually the Swedish tradition of rising early to enjoy the sound of birdsong. Apparently, the Swedish are so committed to appreciating nature that they’ll even brave pre-dawn darkness and near-Arctic temperatures to hear a few chirps. Gökotta is about greeting the morning with gratitude and reveling in the tranquility of nature before the world wakes up.
Now, before you roll your eyes and hit snooze, consider this: maybe you don’t need to go full-Swedish and camp out in your backyard at 5 a.m., but even a small step can make a difference. Try heading out for a short walk at dawn, even if the only birds you hear are pigeons. Take in the quiet and breathe in the chilly air. Who knows, you might discover that early mornings are less dreadful when you aren’t huddled over your laptop but instead soaking up the stillness of nature.
3. Koselig – The Art of Unplugging (No, Really)
Norwegian koselig (pronounced “koosh-lee”) is hygge’s more social cousin. If hygge is about creating a cozy space for yourself, koselig is about bringing others into the fold. Think of it as the Scandinavian answer to hibernation—but with friends. Koselig involves gathering with loved ones, turning off all screens, and enjoying the simple act of being together.
Norwegians take koselig seriously. This isn’t just “quality time” like the half-hearted kind we awkwardly schedule on our Google Calendars. No, koselig is a full-on commitment to disconnect from work, emails, and to-do lists. In Norway, the idea of responding to a work email after-hours is downright unthinkable. If a new message lands in your inbox, well, it can koselig right there until morning.
You don’t need to overhaul your life to try koselig. Just invite a few friends over, put the phones away, and focus on the moment. Bring out blankets, make hot chocolate, and laugh about nothing important. The koselig email notifications can wait until tomorrow.
4. Fika – The Sacred Coffee Break
Fika (pronounced “fee-ka”) isn’t just a coffee break; it’s a Swedish institution. And yes, there’s more to it than dunking a donut on your commute. Fika is about pausing. It’s the Swedish art of stopping your day to enjoy coffee and a treat, preferably with friends or family. During winter, it’s particularly valuable: rather than retreating indoors to hibernate, Swedes gather, share a moment, and reconnect over a warm drink.
Imagine if every coffee break was as intentional as fika. Instead of chugging coffee between Zoom calls, find time to actually sit down, maybe invite a coworker (or pet, if you’re working from home), and savor the moment. Grab a cinnamon roll or some kind of treat. Let fika be your excuse to hit pause, because life’s too short to drink bad coffee in a hurry.
5. Friluftsliv – Open Air Living, Even When It’s Freezing
Friluftsliv (pronounced “free-loofts-liv”) translates to “open-air living,” and it’s a reminder that Scandinavians are remarkably committed to the outdoors, even when it’s cold enough to freeze a troll solid. Friluftsliv isn’t just about getting fresh air; it’s about immersing yourself in nature as a part of your lifestyle. In Scandinavia, you’ll find people skiing to work, ice fishing on the weekends, or hiking through snow-covered forests.
Friluftsliv may be a hard sell if your idea of winter “exercise” involves the ten steps between your couch and the kitchen, but the benefits are undeniable. Embracing the cold can actually help reduce stress, boost your immune system, and improve your mood. So grab a warm jacket, head outside, and see if you can adopt a bit of that rugged Norwegian spirit. Yes, it’s chilly, but you might just surprise yourself by how invigorating the outdoors can be.
6. Losji – Finding Your Place in the Cold
Finally, we have losji (pronounced “loh-shee”), which technically means “lodging” but implies something a bit more spiritual. Think of losji as the pursuit of inner peace or contentment in your surroundings. It’s about making the world feel like home, even if home is in the middle of a frozen landscape.
Losji encourages you to find beauty in the winter world around you. That might mean embracing a morning walk through the snow, sitting quietly and observing the frosty trees, or maybe just giving yourself permission to unwind and enjoy the moment, however fleeting. Losji invites you to get cozy within yourself, cultivating a sense of belonging no matter where you are or how cold it gets.
The Cozy Takeaway: Embrace the Chill
Scandinavians understand that winter doesn’t have to be something you endure; it can be something you embrace—warm socks, strong coffee, and all. From lighting a candle to savoring your coffee, these trends encourage us to slow down, to connect, and to find a little warmth in a chilly world.
So this winter, take a page from Scandinavia’s book. Instead of spending the season grumbling about the cold, embrace the cozy mindset. Brew yourself a hot drink, grab your fluffiest blanket, and settle into a state of well-hygge. Winter may be long and dark, but with a few candles and a bit of perspective, it doesn’t have to feel that way.
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