After moving here from Arkansas, I began researching what New Englanders love about winter. While everyone seems to love to talk about the cold—or rather, hate it—I found that many people not only tolerate it, but actually feel better about it. This got me thinking about how other northerners around the world cope with the cold, and one word came to mind.
This word first caught our attention in 2016, after it was shortlisted for the Oxford English Dictionary’s Word of the Year, but it’s been an integral part of Norwegian culture since the 1500s. The word roughly translates to “comfort,” and refers to the kind of joy or comfort that makes us feel content. While Danes celebrate hygge all year round, they enjoy it most in the winter, as a distraction from the long, dark days.
Imagine yourself snuggling up in a thick blanket, reading a good book, sharing a home-cooked meal with friends, or sipping a hot drink by candlelight. Even if it’s only minus 20 degrees outside, enjoy the little joys in life.
Here are WBUR’s favorite ways to feel hygge, from favorite activities to cozy foods and winter drinks that will lift our spirits in cold weather.
The tradition of alternating hot steam baths (löyly in Finnish) has roots in Scandinavian culture for hundreds of years. Research from the Mayo Clinic shows that exposure to hot water can improve cardiovascular health, relieve muscle tension, and release endorphins.
Luckily, you don’t have to go to Norway to experience this. There are several places in the greater Boston area where you can experience this tradition, and the prices are affordable for most budgets.
Some WBUR staffers are also into steam baths. Chloe Axelson, senior editor at Insider, recommends Kelo Spa in Newton, which has simple spa amenities including a steam room, sauna, and cold plunge pool. “You can go by yourself — it’s about $100 a trip — or rent it with a friend and use it for three hours,” Chloe said. “You can use the sauna, cold plunge pool, and steam room as many times as you like, and there’s a really nice bar area out front with comfy seating, drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and snacks. It’s a really nice way to while away an evening in the middle of a Boston winter,” said our festival organizer Eva Rosenberg, who recommended a “rougher version” at Dillon’s Russian Steam Bath in Chelsea. For less than $40, you can alternate between showers, hot steam rooms, and hot dry rooms at this shop that’s been in business since 1885. While most days are men-only, there are ladies’ nights on Mondays.
From hotel lobbies to high-end restaurants, Boston has plenty of places to enjoy the bright lights. Boston Magazine offers a complete guide to the city’s restaurants with fireplaces. Here are a few to consider:
Eating foods that trigger nostalgia or positive memories periodically is thought to trigger the release of pleasure chemicals like dopamine. For Here & Now chef Casey Gunst, nothing evokes comfort and nostalgia like a warm, delicious meal like this roasted pumpkin soup or this sausage and white bean soup. For something meatier, try braised beef shoulder. Gunst recommends trying different cuts of meat, like lamb shank or pork belly, to experiment with different flavors.
For a warm hug, a classic winter drink is mulled wine. With a combination of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and citrus, it’s more than a drink, it’s an adventure. Plus, when heated, these spices create a rich aroma that’s perfect for filling your home with fragrance.
Dive into heartwarming stories or join a book club to share your passion for reading. Romance fans can head to Lovestruck Books in Harvard Square in Cambridge, while readers interested in social justice literature can connect with the community at JustBook-ish in Dorchester. (For book recommendations, check out NPR’s database of more than 350 of the best titles from over the years.)
While the Boston Public Library no longer offers any of its popular “hygge kits,” we were recommended many of its puzzles and knitting activities if you’re looking to try a cozy activity surrounded by books.
PS: If you’re looking for a little fun before you kick back and relax, the WBUR staff can recommend plenty of indoor playgrounds to hang out with friends. Bowling, escape rooms, even combat archery. Want to know where to go? All you have to do is sign up for our next newsletter here by March 21 to get our recommended attractions in your inbox.