Have yourself a hygge holiday

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By Lara Ceroni

Every year, the United Nations publishes “The World Happiness Report,” highlighting countries with high well-being, and Denmark often ranks near the top. This happiness may stem from its beautiful landscapes, charming cities and commitment to work-life balance, but many attribute it to hygge (pronounced hoo-ga). This Danish philosophy emphasizes comfort, connection and joy in simple pleasures.

As the holidays approach, however, many of us can feel the opposite. Overwhelmed by the chaos of to-do lists and social obligations, we find ourselves stressed and exhausted by the season's end. This is where some Scandinavian wisdom could offer a refreshing shift in perspective: How do we manifest more peace and calm? Not surprisingly, it starts in the home.

Infusing your holiday home with hygge doesn't demand extravagant decorations or expensive budgets. It could mean dimming the lights and letting a fire set the mood, adding cozy throws in the living room so guests can wrap themselves in warmth or baking something festive that fills the air with nostalgia. We can create space for genuine connection and contentment by embracing these simple home comforts.

“We all crave beautiful surroundings that give us a sense of inner peace,” says Erin Kent, principal interior designer at Western New York-based Erin Kent Interiors. “And hygge emphasizes simple pleasures, soft textures and the joy of slowing down perfectly aligning with the spirit of the holiday season.”

When Erin works with her clients, she emphasizes functionality and mood. “I want homeowners to walk into a room and say they love how it makes them feel,” she says.

Building that emotional chord is essential, and it all starts with ambiance and lighting that feels like a warm hug. Erin suggests opting for lamps with warm-toned bulbs instead of harsh, overhead lighting or draping white fairy lights over mantels, strung around windows or popped into mason jars. It makes your environment more intimate and welcoming—perfect for hosting guests—especially in contrast to the cold, blue light of those winter days outdoors. Also, never forget the magic of candles.

Bear & Bison_White Birch.jpeg — *"Aromas define the mood of every space."*

“I love the flicker of a real candle,” Erin says. “Especially the ones that have a fall or holiday scent.”

Next, consider comfort. Everything should invite you to curl up with something warm.

“Bring in soft textiles, chunky knit blankets, rugs and cushions in holiday colors, like forest green, cranberry and plum,” she says. “While gold and silver can make everything feel festive and elegant, you want to use those colorways in moderation, so they don't overwhelm the space.”

Nina Lares, owner and principal designer of Inspired Space Design in Buffalo, believes designing a deeply livable, personal home starts with understanding how people live, what they love and what makes them feel at ease—all sentiments we want to lean into even more during the busy festive season.

“Hygge and holiday decor can work beautifully together if you focus on creating connection, rather than overloading the space, and it is possible to balance the two,” she says.

Stitch Buffalo_Peace Sign Wall Hanging.jpg — *"Textiles are a powerful tool for connection."*

Her advice? Choose a few thoughtful, meaningful pieces rather than filling every surface with decorations. “Swap out glittery and plastic decor for items made from more natural materials,” she says. Create cozy corners in your home and comfortable gathering spaces by arranging furniture to encourage conversations, and add ottomans and pillows for flexible casual seating—and those inevitable surprise guests who like to pop over. “Hygge isn't just about aesthetics, it's about creating a thoughtful sense of togetherness.”

Erin and Nina agree that bringing the outdoors in can truly transform a space. Whether it's through wreaths and pinecones that add texture and a natural touch, woven baskets that introduce organic warmth or layers of wood and stone to ground the room, incorporating real or faux plants, branches and flowers helps create a calm, inviting atmosphere.

Ultimately, it's not about how much we decorate but how deeply we feel at home—and how easily we can share that feeling with others.

“The reason the philosophy behind hygge remains popular is that it gets to the heart of what it means to be human,” says Nina. “We all want to feel warmth, comfort and togetherness; these things never go out of style.”