Rhody Goods to Bring Philosophies for Winter Living Home

Còsagach, fika, gemütlichkeit, hygge, and ikigai all season long

The sofas are piled with soft blankets and cushions, inviting you to curl up. Nature is present in the form of evergreen branches gathered on winter walks.

Photos courtesy of Ryland Peters & Small

Layers of comfy bedding draw you in as night falls

Photos courtesy of Ryland Peters & Small

Waxflower and eucalyptus in the glass jar on the table add scent to the room

Photos courtesy of Ryland Peters & Small

Posted Wednesday, January 1, 2025 9:00 am

A Home for All Seasons by Kay Prestney and Becca Cherry, and Winter Living by Selina Lake, Ryland Peters & Small. Available by request at your favorite local indie bookseller.

By Emily Homonoff

With short days and temperatures growing brisk, it isn’t surprising that many of us have begun to hibernate. While the winter season can be a great time for self-reflection, it doesn’t have to be all drab and darkness. Cultures across the globe have their own ways of adapting to the difference in order to continue finding fulfillment. Here are some creative concepts from which you can draw inspiration to make your own living space warmer and cozier this winter.

Còsagach: The Scottish term còsagach nearly translates into being snug and warm. Perhaps it’s why the Scots also have a concept known as hurkle-durkle, which means staying in bed a little past your alarm clock so that you can rest. What better way to achieve both than by enveloping yourself in an oversized wool throw and enjoying a hot toddy or big mug of hot chocolate.

Fika: The feeling of holding a warm mug of coffee as the snow falls is delicious. Perhaps this is why the Swedish have coined the term fika. But more so, this concept is about spending that time with friends, getting to hear little details of everyone’s day, and lavishing in the simple things. Of course fika wouldn’t be the tradition it is without a slice of something sweet as well.

Gemütlichkeit: This German term is a combined feeling of warmth, friendliness, and good spirit. While gemütlichkeit is centered around cheery feelings between friends and family, you can create the same sense inside the home, primarily through cooking hearty meals (think stews in Dutch ovens) and having friends over. This concept encourages us to be merry, not just around the holidays and affirms that good humor is a way of life.

Hygge: Perhaps the most notable cozifying concept is hygge, which hails from Denmark, a country often named one of the happiest places on earth. Given that, at its core, hygge is about creating warmth, being content, and embracing the quiet, this should come as no surprise. Reflection is also a hallmark of the hygge lifestyle, so take it as an opportunity to read an engaging book!

Ikigai: When you look at your life through the lens of passion, mission, and profession, you start to understand your ikigai, or life’s worth. For decades, this Japanese method has been applied to making the home a more authentic place to be. You can take small things that you love and incorporate them into your dwelling. A core component of ikigai is also removing tech from living spaces – challenge accepted!