You may have heard of hygge by now—it’s the Danish word for that feeling of contentment and coziness often associated with the warmth of home. Now that the weather’s cooling down and the holidays are upon us, it’s the perfect time to bundle up, stay in, and celebrate the little comforts. Here are our top ten ways to incorporate hygge into your everyday life.

1. Light a candle.

Fragrance sets the stage for a calming atmosphere, and the flicker of candlelight is the essence of coziness. We love Bisby's holiday scents or anything from OKCollective Candle Co.

2. Bring the outdoors in.

Forage in your backyard for clippings of greenery or call The Plant Shoppe for a small arrangement. Around this time of year, you can’t go wrong with simple evergreen stems in vase.

3. Exhale. 

Breathing deeply is a good way to be mindful and present in the moment. And if you feel like taking hygge to the next level, hop over to Udander’s steam and sauna rooms. There’s no better way to decompress.

4. Pour the wine... 

Whether you go for a glass of your favorite Pinot or whip up a batch of spiced mulled wine, having a few bottles on hand ensure you can set the mood at a moment’s notice. The folks at Thirsty Wine Merchants always have the best recommendations!

5. …or the tea.

Tea has loads of health benefits, and it helps you stay nice and toasty even when the weather’s cold. Our friends at Urban Teahouse and Woodshed Tea offer a huge selection of loose-leaf options. 

6. Settle in with a good book.

Pick up the novel you’ve been meaning to finish or a nonfiction book that inspires you. We recommend swinging by Commonplace Books or Full Circle to find the perfect read.

7. Slip into a hot bath.

A bath is the ideal way to take a moment for yourself in the middle of a hectic day. Locally owned Local Lather or Twinkle Apothecary have some deliciously indulgent soap and bath bomb options.

8. Simmer something yummy.

You could whip up a simple winter soup (Nourished makes the most delicious butternut squash soup!) or place a few ingredients on the stove for homemade potpourri—try adding cinnamon, orange, clove and apple for warm, delicious fragrance.

9. Play some tunes. 

The right music instantly shifts the mood. Feeling classy? Go for jazz. Love cozy vibes? Try an acoustic playlist. And we’re partial to some of our favorite local artists—start with Bryce Merritt's Christmas album or anything by Judith, our favorite OKC trio.

10. Include friends.

The point of hygge is to share the love—it’s all about celebrating life together. Gather with good friends or folks you want to get to know better. Laughter and togetherness are good for the soul.