Sweater weather has hit southern California. At least nearish the beach. At night. Maybe just a light sweater, though. For cold weather wimps like myself.

Whatever, it’s sweater weather! For now. I doubt sundress weather is completely over for this part of the country, but I’m going to enjoy it when I can get it.

Autumn is my all-time favorite season. And for the calendar-conscious, it officially starts tomorrow!

I can find many things to love about all of the seasons, but autumn has always captured my heart like no other. I think it’s because I’m big into snuggling and fall is perfect for that. And it’s a great excuse to slow down.

There are also so many fun activities. Halloween. Haunted houses. Hayrides. Apple orchards. Hot apple cider. Thanksgiving. Fresh baked bread. Fires, campfires and fireplaces. It’s officially soup season.

Last year I was introduced to the word “hygge.” I almost wrote concept but since hygge is essentially Danish for “living with a mindful appreciation,” the concept isn’t new for me but I like that the Danes have a specific word for it.

Hygge House (Whom I’ve decided are the experts on all things hygge even though I know next to nothing about them nor have I done much hygge research. They do, however, pop up first on Google search and their website feels hyggey.) defines hygge (Pronounced hue-guh btw.) as: “to acknowledge a special feeling or moment. It can be alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary but it is always cosy, charming, or special.” They also note that hygge is “the art of creating intimacy.” This can be with yourself, others, or your home.

I absolutely adore this! There’s something about being so mindfully engaged in an experience that gives it a special, magical quality.

Plus I’ve always been into “cute.” Not the greatest descriptor but sometimes when I’m so caught up in the moment, it’s the only thing I can come up with for quaint, charming things and experiences.

I love little things. Doesn’t really matter what they are. I only want to live in cottage-like dwellings so I can feel like I’m always on vacation. I’m easily amused and appreciative of the simple things no matter how many times I experience them.

So I think aside from Hygge House, I’m most qualified to be your guide to hygge-ing it. Here are my tips for your most hygge-worthy autumn yet:

Big, chunky sweaters.

Wrap yourself up in those mothers. Make sure they’re warm and soft and feel like a gigantic hug from a sheep.

All things apple.

They’re in season so there’s that. Plus super delicious and there are a ton of varieties so something for everyone. Hit up an orchard. Down some hot cider (with or without some alcohol). Make a pie. Or turnovers. Or both. Dip ‘em in caramel and put ‘em on a stick. Throw some peanut butter on those fools for the health conscious. Oh, and you have got to bob for them if you’ve never had the pleasure.

Some things pumpkin.

And for those of you who are into pumpkin, you can do some fall stuff with pumpkins too. They aren’t really my thing but I definitely get down with multiple rounds of carving them up. And roasting those seeds. I also have a friend who makes an amazing pumpkin soup so I’m slowing coming around to this fruit (I know, mind blown, right?! Not a vegetable!)

Light some candles.

I think this should happen every single day of the year but it’s especially comforting as the days get shorter… and shorter… and shorter. I’m vehemently opposed to daylight savings so this is probably the only thing I don’t enjoy about this season. Candles definitely help.

Light something else on fire.

Preferably wood in a controlled space like a fire pit or fire place. There’s something so warm and romantic about fire if you’re not a pyro.

Cook and/or bake from scratch.

Or mostly scratch. Mixes work too if that’s less stressful. Freshly baked whatevers are not only delicious but also make your house smell edible. It’s super easy to throw a bunch of crap into a pot with some water and call it soup. Fresh food warms the soul, especially when it’s literally warm.

Unplug.

Play board games. Read a book. Do some word or number puzzles. Put together an actual jigsaw puzzle. Listen to some tunes (You can plug in for this if you don’t have a record player. Just make sure it’s something special to you.). Write. Get all creative and crafty. Chat about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. Cuddle. With yourself if you have to.

Go for a hike.

Or stroll around your neighborhood. Check out the leaves changing colors (If you’re so lucky to have that.). Roll around in those fallen leaves. Smell the fires burning from nearby homes. Watch the children or animals running around. Get that fresh air into your lungs.

Host a small dinner party.

Invite over your people. Cook a batch of soup. Bake some fresh bread. I promise it’s not nearly as hard as it sounds. Pour some wine. Or hot apple cider. Chat over some candlelight. Maybe play a board game afterwards. Why not combine all the favs into one night?

Hygge isn’t just these specific suggestions. Hygge can pretty much be anything. Hygge is mindful appreciation. Slowing down and really experiencing the little things. Going inward and also connecting with the outside world in a more intimate way. It helps create feelings of peace, love, and satisfaction with life. It’s an entirely worthwhile pursuit. Even if it seems like a hipster-like trend, this has been around for the ages and there’s a reason it endures.