In the midst of November three days before Thanksgiving, Copenhagen has descended into the depths of late fall, early winter. The sun sets around 3 pm now and the wind sends a chill straight to my bones. Living in Boston for the past two winters has helped me grow somewhat accustomed to this climate. I now dedicate 10 extra minutes to my morning routine to give myself enough time to put on three layers of clothing. Nevertheless, I do prefer the sunshine. Back home in Florida the sun sets around 6 pm and the temperature stays around 70 degrees during the day. That is what I’m used to. The dark and the cold have a way of dulling my spirit, however, there are some things about winter that are truly unbeatable – like snow. Prior to my time at Wellesley, I’d never seen snow and I’m convinced it will never lose its thrill. Even here in Copenhagen, so far from home, far from familiar faces, snow gives me reason to love the winter. On the first snowfall, my friends and I gathered around our apartment window to watch a few wet flurries hit the ground, growing increasingly excited for the coming season. 

Copenhageners do winter particularly well. As soon as the sun began to set in the early evening, I noticed the windows in my neighborhood slowly increase in their number of string lights. Then candles. And now, cozy winter decorations. I’m experiencing hygge in real time and it has given me so many ideas to bring back to Wellesley next semester. For one, the warm lighting truly does wonders in increasing coziness. In my apartment, I’ve gotten into the habit of dimming our kitchen lights around nighttime and lighting our space with candles. The ambiance feels as though I’m inside a cottage in the coziest Christmas village. Upon returning to Wellesley, I’ll be sure to fill my room with warm lighting as much as possible. 

The smell of Danish bakeries serving fresh glogg and cardamom buns is enough to defrost my body from the chilling wind. The number of stands lining Copenhagen’s streets serving warm foods and beverages has skyrocketed and for great reason. Holding a warm cup of hot chocolate between my frozen hands not only warms my body but my spirit as well. My roommates and I have started making big pots of soups and chilis together. Not only is it a great way to meal prep and save money on groceries (Copenhagen groceries aren’t exactly cheap), but it also adds to your hygge. My roommates and I sit together on our couch with our bowls of soup and mugs of tea, and I tell them I feel like we’re the Bucket family from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory warmed by our laughter and love. While the meal itself is warm, the company makes all the difference. Next January, I will be sure to make use of the Wellesley kitchens to cook up soups to share with friends. 

Boston winters have never been particularly easy for me, but after experiencing a Danish winter I feel excited and hopeful for the coming semester. I can’t wait to bring some hygge to Wellesley.