The past few winters we’ve been incorporating the Danish art of hygge into lives up on our hilltop in northern New England.

Pronounced “hue-guh,” hygge doesn’t translate easily into English. “In essence,” says Visit Denmark, “hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people.”

Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Here are a few ideas for bringing hygge into creating a cozy reading nook:

Candles

A lot of candles. Candles are a hygge must. They can be flameless. It doesn’t have to be dark (or cold!) to light candles. I’m just careful to keep matches and flames away from little fingers!

Socks

Pull off your shoes or winter boots and slip into a pair of soft, warm socks before grabbing a book to read. My favorite pair are a bit frayed but I figure that adds to their hygge charms.

A comfy shawl or throw

Snuggling under a soft, comfy shawl or throw with a book is one of the good things in life! I have a handmade shawl that I bought at a shop on the southwest Irish coast, run by a woman who’s become a friend, adding to its hygge qualities. But I love my ragged fleece throws, too. Key is comfort and cocooning.

A hot drink

Grab that pottery mug you love but don’t use often enough and heat up a special drink. Hot mulled cider, hot mulled wine, hot chocolate hot tea. So many options! I’ve included my hot mulled cider recipe below.

An absorbing book 

Candles lit, fire crackling, hot beverage at our side and socks and throw keeping us warm and cozy, we’re ready to dive into an absorbing book. Enjoy!

Hot mulled cider recipe:

2 quarts fresh apple cider

2–3 cinnamon sticks

1 teaspoon whole cloves

½ teaspoon whole allspice

¼ small orange

Dash of grated nutmeg

¼ cup brown sugar (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes. Strain spices and serve. You can combine the spices into a cheesecloth to create a bag and simmer with the cider. You can also heat the mulled cider in a slow cooker.

Stay warm and cozy this winter, wherever you are!