Ways to embrace good things as the days get colder

A few mornings ago, I realized it was still dark and I was quite awake. In the fall, as the sun rises later each day, we miss the sun creeping in and nudging us into wakefulness.

I’m no winter-hater, but it’s tougher facing the cold months ahead with days filled with blizzards and winds that cut you like a knife.

For people living with anxiety and/or depression or for seniors or people like me who are afraid of icy roads and darkness, it can be challenging.

As the youngsters used to say, gross.

So even though we can’t stop the winter season from coming, there are some things that can help, particularly when things are cold and damp outside.

Over the last five years, the Danish concept of hygge has taken the world by storm even though my Danish colleague says hygge is more than a trend, it is a way of life.

Being cosy, good food, warm drinks, good times with close friends are hygge and they have all sparked a mini-industry in comfort.

You would be right in thinking that we’ve been living like that here for generations, and here are some favourite hygge activities I’ve seen and done.

Hot tea. That moment when you wrap your hands around a fresh mug of tea, and you feel the warmth melt away the ordinary stress of your day is perfection.

Dunkin’ cookies. Or teabuns or toast. Whether it’s tea, cocoa, coffee, hot chocolate — this is the time of the year to find a reason to dunk something. Preferably with someone else.

Exotic spices. Joke all you like about pumpkin spice, but the combined scents of cinnamon, cloves and allspice are heavenly, especially in snickerdoodle form. Or a latte.

Race, race toward the dying of the light. I think we notice twilight most in the fall because it happens while we’re still busy with our lives.

Embrace the golden hour, as it coincides with and then eclipses suppertime.

Hygge yourself, hug a cat. If you can have pets in the house (we can’t, because of allergies), be like your pet.

Dogs always find a reason to be happy, even when stormy. Cats? Well, they’re indifferent. However, we can learn from the pleasure they find in just sitting by the window, watching the word go by before curling up in the sunny spot on the couch for a nap.

Naps! If you are a toddler, naps are the worst. If you are a grown up, a 20-minute nap is the most restorative activity ever.

Make some fresh bread. Whenever I make bread, I wonder why I don’t it more often. It’s awesome. Is it the kneading? Maybe. Working your bread dough is intensely therapeutic. Is it the anticipation of the eating? Maybe. Or it could just be it smells amazing and it’s fun.

Eat some fresh bread. Without a doubt, one of the great pleasures of life — especially on a cold weekend morning — is biting into a slice from a fresh from the oven loaf. Waiting for it to cool just enough to get a slice and then watching the butter melt into a delicious pool is a perfect hygge moment.

Charge your phone in another room. Is this a pleasure? Not really, but I enjoy my personal time more (I read more books, I have more conversations which are punctuated by laughter and not the pings of incoming messages) when I don’t have as many distractions. Love your slow cooker. After a long day, there’s nothing better than coming home to the herby fragrance of dinner already cooked on the counter.

Game on! Have you noticed board games are making a comeback?

Game-playing is overwhelmingly electronic (and often played alone), and maybe that’s why games with real human connections are coming back to the table big time.

Bundle up and walk. The air is crisp, and as long as the rain or sleet holds off, I’m good outdoors with the right footwear, gloves and a hat. And, of course, something reflective if it gets dark.

I’m already planning my first cup of cocoa. What will be your first hygge moment?