You've probably heard of hygge, but what exactly is it? Hygge (pronounced hue-gah) is a Danish concept that can be enjoyed anywhere. Hygge is more than a noun or adjective—it’s a vibe and a state of mind. It’s all about surrounding yourself with the people and traditions you love. Above all, hygge is comforting, low-key, warm, and cozy.
Between the food, drinks, and long winter nights, there isn't a holiday more cozy than Christmas, and it’s easy to create that Christmas hygge coziness in your own home. So get comfy (time for those fuzzy socks), throw another log on the fire, and get inspired with our hygge Christmas and holiday ideas and delicious festive recipes.
TURN YOUR HOME INTO A COZY WINTER WONDERLAND
Create a Cozy Christmas Aesthetic
Having relaxing decor is a big part of a hygge home. Think soft white lights on the Christmas tree instead of blinking multi-colored lights. At night, keep harsh ceiling lights off, and instead light candles throughout the house. Use natural elements wherever you can, like pinecones and sprigs of greenery. Place soft, snuggly blankets on your furniture. Play gentle, calming variations of your favorite holiday music to help set the mood.
Christmas Tree Décor Inspiration
Creating a Hygge Christmas shouldn’t stop at the tree. When adorning your tree, use neutral Christmas ornaments, natural décor, warm-colored ribbon, and soft white lights instead of blinking multicolored lights.
Some families put their tree up on Thanksgiving. Others wait until winter solstice. And yet others will put it up when they simply have the time! Whenever you put up your holiday decorations, it’s an activity that’s best enjoyed with those you love.
Recipes for Festive Decorating Fun
No decorating experience would be complete without the right beverages. Try our Double Chocolate Cinnamon Spiked Hot Cocoa, a favorite holiday recipe. Made with the same Swiss Miss® Hot Cocoa Mix that many people will remember from childhood, the shot of cinnamon whiskey makes this the ultimate "adulting" holiday drink. For a truly decadent treat, use whole milk. And whatever you do, don't forget the whipped cream on top! Reddi-wip® Original comes in the familiar red can that everyone knows and loves. If you want some next-level hot cocoa action, try the Reddi-wip Barista Series. You'll find that Nitro Coffee Creamer isn't just for your morning coffee anymore. 😉
In Christmases past, if you were avoiding dairy, that meant skipping hot chocolate altogether. But now almond milk is so much more than a dairy substitute and is now popular in its own right. This recipe for Chocolate Almond Hot Cocoa features both almond milk and Reddi-wip Non-Dairy Almond Whipped Topping, or you could always make a quick batch of Swiss Miss Non-Dairy.
Plus, there’s nothing like a sweet treat to go with your cocoa. This Peppermint Biscotti holiday recipe is perfect for dipping into your mug for a dose of that chocolatey, pepperminty goodness that holiday dreams are made of. Or, for a truly special snack, serve a plate of Decadent Chocolate Croissants alongside. With these delicacies, you’re sure to feel the warm, cozy Christmas spirit inside and out as you decorate.
COMFORT FOOD RECIPES FOR HECTIC HOLIDAY WEEKNIGHTS
Outdoor pageants, (small) parties, and shopping can leave little time for weekday dinners. During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, a convenient, hearty meal is as close as your freezer with Marie Callender’s® Multi-Serve Meals. You'll have a hot dinner on the table in less time than it would take to order a pizza. With kid-tested favorites like lasagna and macaroni and cheese, there's a good chance you won't have leftovers.
Of course, sometimes there’s nothing like a nourishing bowl of homemade food to bring the ultimate comfort. But that doesn’t have to be a huge affair! Comfort food recipes like Spicy Sausage Gnocchi with Creamy Tomato Sauce and Pressure Cooker Beefless Chili provide hearty meals without any of the stress. Make a big pot at the beginning of the week to make it even easier on yourself.
And don't forget about dessert. You can have apple or pumpkin pie without spending hours in the kitchen, thanks to Marie Callender's Large Frozen Desserts. These desserts are family-sized and a sweet way to end a hectic day.
A REASON TO STAY IN: HOLIDAY DATE NIGHT
Don't forget to make time for that special someone in your life. Decompress together by having a cozy Christmas date night right at home. Birds Eye® Skillets offer up unexpected comfort food recipes like Shrimp Scampi or Chicken Florentine, no reservations required. Top off your sweet night at home with one of Marie Callender's Small Frozen Desserts, featuring a flaky made-from-scratch crust.
After your hearty meal, light a fire, snuggle up under your softest blanket, and enjoy some quality time together. Make a point to turn off phones so you can be in the moment. This could be the perfect time to put on It’s a Wonderful Life as you sip on some comforting Caramel Apple Moscow Mules. Or, take turns reading aloud to each other from your favorite Christmas stories, like Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, as you munch on some Salted Dark Chocolate Chip Brownie Cookies (still warm from the oven). Or perhaps, in the true spirit of hygge Christmas, you’ll be content just holding hands and watching the snow fall outside your window.
GET OUTSIDE WITH THE FAMILY
The holidays are a wonderful opportunity to enjoy family traditions or even start new ones. This is especially true for a cozy Christmas, where spending time together is key.
How about a little “Christmas camping”—a family sleepover by the tree? Settle in with warm drinks and a heaping plate of Cinnamon Dessert Nachos. Tell holiday stories to each other and sing your favorite Christmas carols together while you camp, until it’s finally time to drift off to sleep.
Nothing says cozy fun like a little time out in the snow. Start an annual Christmas Day snowman-building contest, or make as many snow angels as you can. Even if it isn’t snowing, simply take a long walk while you collect pieces of nature to include in your holiday decor. When you come inside, warm up with a comforting bowl of Hunt’s® Creamy Tomato Soup.
PLAN A LOW-FUSS CHRISTMAS MENU
There's no need to wake up in the wee hours of the morning just to start Christmas dinner. Let your slow cooker do all the work for you, with our Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast. This recipe includes a favorite pantry staple, Hunt's Tomato Sauce, which helps all of the delicious flavors meld together. If you'd like some diced tomatoes mixed in with the other vegetables, add a can of Hunt's Petite Diced Tomatoes. Cooking with a slow cooker is truly "set and forget," giving everyone time to focus on being together.
Pair your roast with hearty sides like our Italian Roasted Potato and Vegetable Medley or our mouthwatering Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Tomatoes, and you’ll have a beautiful, complete Christmas dinner without any stress.
While everything cooks, you’ll want to have some delicious appetizers for everyone to snack on. Put out a loaf of warm, irresistible Cheesy Bruschetta Pull-Apart Bread, or set out a plate of savory, pop-in-your-mouth Sausage Cheddar Balls. (So good you’ll have to remind everyone not to fill up before the main event!)
Finally, you can’t have a cozy Christmas dinner without some wonderful desserts. Don your table with a gorgeous Gingersnap Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Caramel, featuring festive flavors that will make your taste buds tingle with holiday magic. Plus, a Chocolate Swiss Roll with Cream Filling will bring rich, comforting flavors, filling you from head to toe with Christmas cheer.
With these cozy Christmas ideas and holiday recipes, you’ll be able to enjoy the best parts of the holiday season: the marvelous gift of togetherness and the comforts of home. That’s what a hygge Christmas is truly all about.
For added holiday fun, and delicious single-serve dessert options, try out our Christmas mug cake recipes.
