Yahoo Finance Finding Hygge: 6 Frugal Items to Keep You Cozy This Winter
Now that the holidays are over, we're entering the longest stretch of winter. Without parties to look forward to, cards to send out and presents to buy, it can feel a little gloomy.
But there's a trick to fending off the winter blues, and it comes straight from Denmark. Hygge (pronounced "HOO-guh") is a Danish word that means coziness. More specifically, it's about "creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people," according to the official tourism site of Denmark. It's this very quest for warmth and joy that keeps the Danes content through their long, cold, dark winters. Since we all could use a dose of warmth this month, here are some hygge-inspired deals on things that will keep your spirits up through the frigid months ahead.
[See: 12 Ways to Be a More Mindful Spender.]
Woolly socks. Why, oh, why did our young selves not appreciate a great pair of socks? There are few things that can make you cozy as quickly. When you slip on a pair of soft socks, it's basically the equivalent to giving your feet -- and soul -- a big, warm hug. Luckily, right now, the post-holiday deals make it even easier to score high-quality socks at a discount. Top-brand wool socks (think SmartWool and Thorlo) are up to 62 percent off at REI.com (or 72 percent off when you buy three more), while some other brands are offering up to 75 percent off at SierraTradingPost.com. For a free pair, check out EMS.com. If you buy three pairs, you'll get a fourth gratis.
A full-bodied glass of red. Coming home to a glass of Cabernet (or Merlot or Malbec ... you get the point) is the perfect way to find your happy place and unwind after a long, chilly day. Wine.com has up to 58 percent off a large selection of reds, and first-time customers can take another $10 off with the code NEW10. Another way to look at that: You can nab a $52 bottle of MacMurray Ranch Russian River Pinot Noir for $22, or if you're a first-timer, for $12. Cheers to that. Pro tip: If you don't plan on drinking more than a glass, consider picking up a box of wine, rather than a bottle. There really are good ones these days -- it's not all swill -- and boxed wine lasts for up to four weeks after it is opened, compared to a bottle, which normally stays good for three to five days.
[See: 10 Creative Ways to Cut Costs This Winter.]
A roaring fire. When those fat snowflakes are falling, there's nothing better than cozying up with a good book -- or with a good book, someone you love and a nice glass of red wine -- in front of a crackling fire. Skip the smoky part, where you crumple newspaper and hope your log lights, and use a quality fire starter instead. Fatwood kindling is currently up to 26 percent off at Plow & Hearth ($10.99 to $30.99; PlowHearth.com). For a great, protective view of the blaze, consider a new screen, too.
A hot cup of tea. Imagine wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of hot tea as you curl up in a comfy chair. You really can't get much more "hyggelig" than that. Teavana.com is currently having what it calls "an epic sale," meaning many of its teas and mugs are up to 75 percent off. The Tea Spot has a special tea bundle -- two teas, plus a ceramic steeping mug-- for 10 percent off ($31.95; TheTeaSpot.com).
[See: 12 Habits of Phenomenally Frugal Families.]
A warm glow. It's not the candle that creates hygge, it's the glow of the flame, which acts as your own real-life Instagram filter. YankeeCandle.com is currently having its huge semi-annual clearance sale, with up to 75 percent off more than 700 candles. And if you've already got tea lights stashed in a drawer, then pick up some candle holders like Crate & Barrel's Snowflake Porcelain Hurricanes for as little as $2.47 (regularly $4.95; CrateandBarrel.com).
A good cuddle. When that winter chill creeps in, sometimes all you can do to stay warm is crawl underneath a big, comfy blanket. Luckily, now is a great time to invest in one. At Macy's, for example, Pendleton's Glacier flannel duvet is 60 percent off ($100 and up; Macys.com). A Cuddle Up Faux Fur throw at Nordstrom is currently 65 percent off, saving you $97 ($52; Nordstrom.com). Bottom line: Wherever you are and however you choose to stay warm, here's wishing you a very cozy and happy winter.
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