The sunset on November 1st was particularly glorious and captured the beauty and fiery colors of autumn.
Last night, the clocks turned back one hour. For the next two months, the days will grow shorter and twilight will come sooner each evening.
I always look forward to this time of year with great anticipation. Why? Because of something the Danish call “Hygge.” The word Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is usually translated as “cozy” or a sense of “coziness”. It’s much more than warm lighting and flickering candles. Hygge is also a mindset or the purposeful practice of relaxation and being kind to yourself. For instance, when choosing to practice Hygge, you wouldn’t go without your favorite food or drink, or embark on any sort of activity which might be emotionally overwhelming. Hygge food is comforting and soothing, although it can also be healthy – but think pastries, pies or soothing soups or casseroles. Hygge activities tend to revolve around handicrafts such as quilting, embroidering, knitting or crocheting. And don’t you agree those types of creative activities are relaxing and soothing to the soul?
The fireplace mantel in my studio is lit with orange twinkle lights casting an autumnal, evening glow.
At this time of year, when the temperatures (even here in Southern California) turn a bit cooler, I light candles in the late afternoon and turn on the lights in my china cabinet as the sun goes down around dinner time for added ambiance. I also bring out my trusty Crock pot, which tends not to be used during warm weather months, for our favorite soups and stews. Oh, how I love smelling them as they simmer away during the day. And I enjoy cooking and baking especially when using warm spices and other traditional, autumn delights such as homemade apple sauce with a touch of cinnamon and yummy pumpkin pie.
Recently, my friend Terri (@Theresa_Stavig on IG) in Cordova, AK, posted that she tried a new type of cookie in honor of fall and Harry Potter, called Butterbeer cookies. These sounded so scrumptious that I sourced a recipe from the internet and found this one, from Sugar and Soul. I followed the recipe exactly as shown except I added 1/2 cup of Butterscotch morsels to the batter before baking. Let me just say, these cookies are fabulous whether they are warm right out of the oven or frosty from the fridge. And they are 100% Mr. Kim approved.
The other thing I really love about this time of year is the excitement and anticipation of the holidays. Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away and Christmas follows not far behind. Personally, I try to avoid listening to Christmas music or any red and green decorations until after Thanksgiving. It feels so much more fresh and enchanting then and besides, I want to soak up as much of fall as I can with all the warm gold, orange, burnt umber and bronze colors as I can during the next few weeks.
Do you enjoy autumn? What do you do to make your home feel warm and cozy? Are there any special traditions or tried-and-true recipes you pull out during this time of year? Many of you may have already been practicing Hygge without even knowing there is a name for it. I hope you’ll consider leaving a comment to share what you like to do to welcome these shorter and cooler days. because I’d love to hear from you. And if you try the cookies, drop me a line and let me know if you love them, too!
And don’t forget — you can download my FREE Holiday Star pattern to make your own Autumn/Thanksgiving (or even Christmas!) door or wall hanging! Simply CLICK HERE.
I love the fall. I love that there is a word to describe this season. I’m going to have to share this information and add that to me vacabulary. I love making soups, baking and I tend to hand stitch a little more. Typically things seem to feel a little more calm…and I feel the need to nest a little. Clean something, organize a little and prepare for the cold. It’s also a time when we enjoy the hottub again. There are so many things to love about the fall. One thing I truly love is apple dumplings. We live in the apple capital of the world…and we’ve tried every apple dish…apple dumplings always make my fall
List.
Kim, I’m with you. I love the fall and love to decorate. My house is full of fall and Thanksgiving decorations which I will leave until the day after. Christmas is beautiful as well but such a short season. I love the concept of hygge and with all the stress right now in the world, we all need it. Love your blogs. Keep blogging. -Mary
When you talked about soups and stews it made me think of my favorite soups and chili that I like to keep on hand this time of year. I make big pots of them and then freeze individual servings so they last a couple of weeks. Nothing better than sitting down with a comforting bowl (or two) of soup for dinner and then picking up the current hand project for evening stitching.
Enjoy your time of Hygge.
We had snow overnight and are hunkering down for hugge with candles, quilts and good food. The snow will disappear soon, but it does set the mood. Here in Canada, November indicates that it’s time to put away the ghosties and goblins and start getting out the more Christmassy decore. I wait till after November 11, our Remembrance Day, and get more serious, going through one bin at a time and pulling out the treasure of years gone by. It’s also staring to look like Christmas will be different this year without the large family gatherings. We can hope and pray that a vaccine will soon come.
Oohh… yes!! I’m definitely trying those cookies!! I wonder how they would be with some cream cheese frosting on top!?!? ?. Thanks for sharing!!!
We love to make pumpkin bread and almost any kind of soup. I look forward to a different feeling at this time of year.
Love your rumination! I am off to practice a little Hygge of my own with some hand quilting.
You are like having family, with motherly advice! Wanted to tell you that I have found the download for the Holiday Star that you demonstrated on your Sew Along show. Love it and will try to be more observant when the instructions come out for your next Sew Along. It really is fun working along with you right in my home.
Jane Gritmacker
ps Thank you for your generation in sharing your talents as well as your pattern. I hope people realize that this is a gift because not many people share as you do. Thank you again.
Did you know there is a fabric store in Ontario called Hyggeligt?
Ontario Canada or Ontario California? But no, I haven’t heard of this shop. Sounds really interesting, though!