When I selected Build a Bonfire, on day 3 of the challenge, the mild weather perfectly supported that activity. I laughed when I drew today’s slip of paper out of the jar.
Have a cozy evening with warm PJs, a pile of blankets, a hot drink, a book and candlelight.
It’s been overcast and dark all day, as if the sun forgot to rise. A steady rain pelts the windows. And a strong breeze is literally whistling around the house and through the front door, disturbing the cats. It is a great evening for carrying out this hygge activity. Nights like this one inspire coziness.
Looking at my hand written slip of paper, I realized it read like a “to do” list. I’m one for checking items off as I complete them, so here we go…steps to creating a cozy pajamas evening.
Warm PJs
I confess, I don’t know why I wrote the word pjs. Honestly, I don’t own pajamas nor do I sleep in them. (Check out my post, Comfortable in My Own Skin) However, I do adore wearing comfy clothes. As soon as I’m in for the evening, during cold winter months, I change out of my everyday clothes and into cozy warm tights, hoodies and fuzzy socks.
Tonight I donned tights and a lined hoodie sporting the tiger emblem and the words MIZZOU TIGERS, the mascot of Missouri University in Columbia. My oldest grandson is a sophomore there, inspiring me to exhibit school spirit. I added socks in the school colors of black and gold and my new cozy cat slippers.
Warm “pjs”? Check!
Pile of Blankets
I selected this activity first thing this morning. By mid afternoon, a new, incredibly warm blanket came into my life. The plush queen sized blanket is a Christmas gift from my son and daughter-in-law. They had no idea that I’d be enjoying a cozy hygge evening. How timely is their present.
I adore blankets and linens. For me they join candles as the ultimate hygge props. My cats agree. As soon as I snuggled beneath my new blanket, Shy Boy’s cozy alert went off. He bounded into my room and curled up on my lap, snuggling into the blanket with a raspy purr and a sigh.
Blanket? Check! Cuddly cat as a bonus? Check!
Hot Drink, Book and Candlelight
These last three items complete my list for a cozy pajamas evening.
My hot drink of choice tonight soothed me with chai spices, unsweetened cocoa and dairy free milk. Chai hot chocolate is quickly becoming a favorite night time drink. Find the easy recipe here.
I read from two books. The Re-enchantment of Everyday Life, by Thomas Moore, inspires me and creates anticipation for next year. My word for 2019 is enchantment and the way Moore writes about the state of being enchanted stirs my heart and expands my soul.
And I am slowly reading my way through the Harry Potter series of books. I’ve seen all the movies many times. Until recently, I had not read the books. I’m on book three, The Prisoner of Azkaban, and enjoying the story.
Candlelight flickers through my home again this evening. With the fierce wind and rain, I skipped lighting the front porch candles. And I simply plugged in a string of lights in my studio. However the rest of the rooms are alight with twinkling flames. I truly love candlelight. It softens a room, creates intimacy and sends hope outward, energetically. I understand why candlelight is such a crucial hygge element.
Hot drink? Check! Books? Check! Candlelight? Check!
Cozy Pajamas Evening
Surrounded by light and warmth and coziness, I am at peace and filled with joy. If the bonfire night epitomized outdoor hygge, tonight defines the simplicity and beauty of the hygge lifestyle. It grows my faith and deepens my trust in the Divine, as I randomly draw out activities that so perfectly align with my day.
I have one more winter hygge activity to carry out tomorrow, for the challenge. This week of activities completes an intention I set forth on the first day of spring. My desire to welcome each season with a week of activities, appropriate for the time of year, has been realized.
What I’ve come to appreciate most is that hygging truly is a lifestyle for me. This Scandinavian tradition is in my DNA. I’ll continue to practice hygge, and find fresh ways to embrace coziness, in all areas of my life.
Cozy pajamas evening? Check! Hygge lifestyle? Check!
Order Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life below.
I am an Amazon Affiliate and may make a commission on products purchased through my links, at no extra cost to you! Thank you for purchasing through my links.