“But what do you do in the winter?” is a question that I hear frequently from people outside Vermont when they learn about our small boarding and day high school. It can be daunting to think about what to do when it’s cold outside for months at a time, especially with teenagers! While I don’t pretend to love every minute of every winter, I do think there is much to be celebrated in the coldest season. I find the Scandinavian concept of “hygge,” (pronounced hyoo·guh), or the feeling of cozy contentment we get from simple pleasures, to be very helpful during the long Vermont winters.
Create a cozy atmosphere
A few years ago, a group of students set out to make cozy corners in the library. This meant getting more soft lighting, comfortable seating, and even bringing in some plants. Creating a comfortable and soothing atmosphere is the first step to embracing hygge and can make the time we spend indoors in the winter more enjoyable. The elements of a “hygge” atmosphere you can find around our school are:
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- Warm lighting options like table lamps, fairy lights, and big windows to capture any winter sun.
- Comfortable and soft seating options in classrooms and common spaces.
- Plants and flower arrangements throughout the school.
This environment encourages us to take a deep breath, relax, and appreciate the space and the moment.
Slow down
We live in a fast-paced world with a 24-hour news cycle and a glorification of the word “busy.” Winter can force us to slow down - both literally on the road and figuratively in the rest of our lives. It can be tempting to spend more time on a screen when it’s cold outside, but hygge encourages us to do the opposite. We find that our students thrive when they are not racing from one activity to the next or from one screen to another but truly taking time to be together. While we love getting out on ski trips and attending college basketball games, some of our popular weekend activities allow students to spend time together in a quiet way. For example, baking cookies, working on jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, and having a “reading party” in the library are all things that our students have recently selected to do on the weekend. Students are more inclined to choose these kinds of activities when it’s cold and snowy because it gives that feeling of coziness and offers an opportunity for connection.
Creativity in the cold
Having more time indoors also allows students and staff to be creative. This winter, several students have decided to learn to crochet while others are learning to play new songs on the piano. Creativity can blossom in these quieter months, and it is a delight to see what students are making. We also see creativity from our staff, whether they are finding ways for students to be active indoors, like having dance parties or turning the library into a gaga ball pit, or nurturing playfulness with activities like scavenger hunts and hide and seek.
No bad weather
Of course, hygge also reinforces the age-old saying, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” This doesn’t refer to style, but more to comfort and warmth. Dressing for the cold means learning how to layer and what fabrics help you stay warm longer. Hats and gloves are essential, as are comfortable waterproof boots.
With the proper equipment, we can (and do) enjoy the outdoors in almost any weather! Our students love having winter fires in our outdoor fire pit or building snow sculptures on our front lawn. We travel to the mountains to ski and snowboard, but we also love using the sledding hill just outside the school or hiking through the wooded trails on campus … all followed by a hot drink, of course!
The value of hygge
At its core, hygge is about prioritizing peace, simplicity, and connection. In these quieter days of winter we see that life doesn’t need to be extravagant to be beautiful. When we intentionally create space for coziness and togetherness, we can find joy in life’s little moments.
Hygge also promotes mindfulness and reduces stress. By focusing on warmth, comfort, and gratitude, you naturally cultivate a happier, calmer mindset. These are values and practices we hope our students can use all throughout their lives to improve their mental and physical wellbeing.
Resources:
https://www.verywellmind.com/health-benefits-of-hygge-4164281