Embracing the Cosy Charm of Winter

Simple ways to add a little Hygge to your homeschool.

Nov 07, 2023

Hey there, lovely readers!

I don’t know about you guys but here in the UK, once we’ve had Guy Fawkes Night, it feels like Winter has arrived, the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there's something undeniably enchanting about the winter season, even the endless grey and wet days are an invitation for us to slow down and get cosy. It's a time when we yearn for warmth, connection, and comfort. So why not bring that cosy, hygge vibe into your homeschooling rhythm this winter? Welcome to the world of Winter Hygge Homeschool!

Picture this: A toasty home filled with the soft glow of twinkling lights, the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the air, and your little ones snuggled up with their favourite books by the fireplace. We can all dream right?! But, that's the essence of Winter Hygge Homeschool, we can take a cosy approach that combines a little bit of magic of the season with the joy of learning.

Today I will share with you some of the simple ways I like to add a little Hygge to our unschooling home.

Agnes' first snow, candlelight & beach fires.

Create a Cosy Learning Space

Hygge, the art of cosy contentment, is the perfect approach for your Winter Homeschool. Create a special corner in your home where learning becomes a warm and inviting experience. Soft blankets, plush cushions, and gentle lighting make this corner your cosy haven for wintertime learning.

When it comes to making our home a cosy and welcoming space, I consider all the senses. We don't have a dedicated homeschool room; we prefer to gather around the kitchen table for our focused learning and deep dives into projects. I like to light a candle, place some seasonal flowers on the table, and let one of our favourite playlists softly play in the background. I also turn on the diffuser with my favourite essential oils, and we fill our mugs with hot chocolate or herbal tea. This sensory-rich atmosphere sets the perfect tone for our day of learning and togetherness.

Embrace the Great Outdoors

Winter has a way of tempting us to cosy up indoors, but don't overlook the wonder of the great outdoors. Get bundled up and bring your homeschooling adventures outside! Whether you explore local parks, nature trails, or your own garden, the winter landscape sets the stage for captivating science lessons, creative art projects, and nature studies.

One of our favourite traditions is crafting natural bird feeders to hang up during the winter solstice or gathering pine needles to brew a soothing tea. For additional inspiration, feel free to check out my Pinterest board.

Warm Up with Homemade Treats

Winter and hygge are like old friends, and what's cosier than whipping up a homemade treat? Make cooking and baking a cherished part of your homeschooling routine. In our home, we've set the sweet intention to cook or bake together every Monday. Invite your kids to measure ingredients, stir, and revel in the delight of crafting a warm, delicious snack. If they're a bit older, consider letting them take the reins in the kitchen and prepare a whole meal. Be it hot chocolate, cookies, or a hearty soup, these shared kitchen adventures will become treasured memories of togetherness and comfort.

If you’re not keen on cooking or to keep things simple why not try a bread mix, ready roll pastry packs or heating up soup and part bake rolls.

Cosy Reading Time

Winter is the perfect season to snuggle up with a good book. Reading together by the fire, by candlelight or under a soft blanket on the sofa can become a cherished daily ritual. Choose books that reflect the season, explore winter-themed stories, or let your kids pick out their favourite tales. We also love audiobooks and podcasts which we enjoy everyday.

A tradition we love to implement each season is Poetry Tea Time. It was popularised by Julie Bogart, a homeschooling advocate and founder of Brave Writer, an online writing and language arts program. Poetry Teatime is a cosy little ritual that makes poetry enjoyable and accessible. It's all about bringing people together to appreciate the beauty of words and share some delicious treats.

Here's how it works:

Teatime Ambiance: Pick a special time, often in the afternoon, each week, month or season, to come together with loved ones. Set up a comfy space with teacups, a teapot, and maybe some biscuits or scones. It's all about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Choose Poems: Collect a bunch of poetry books with a variety of poems, from classics to contemporary works. Then, take turns picking poems to read aloud to each other, or you can have a designated reader.

Reading Aloud: As you sip your tea and nibble on treats, read the chosen poems out loud. This adds a wonderful dimension to the words, and it's a great opportunity for everyone to listen and share in the beauty of language.

Chat and Create: After each poem, you can have a little chat about it. What do you think it means? How does it make you feel? You can also get creative and try writing your own poems or artwork inspired by what you've read.

Relax and Connect: Most importantly, Poetry Teatime is about relaxing and connecting. There's no need for deep analysis or critique. It's a time to enjoy the magic of poetry and each other's company.

Gingerbread, home baking & a winter nature table.

Craft and Creativity

Encourage family creativity by engaging in winter-themed arts and crafts. Make snowflakes from paper, create homemade decorations, or try your hand at knitting or crocheting. The act of making something with your own hands can be incredibly satisfying and a wonderful learning experience. You may enjoy my piece called A short note on making things.

Embrace the Season's Traditions

Winter is filled with delightful traditions. Whether it's celebrating holidays, engaging in acts of kindness, or observing the winter solstice, take the time to learn about and embrace the unique customs and traditions that make this season so special. These cultural insights can become valuable lessons in history, geography, and social studies.

Winter Solstice is one of my favourites celebrations, take a look at my Pinterest Board for some inspiration or subscribe to my publication The Other Path where I share lots more about Seasonal Rhythms and celebrations.

In the world of Winter Hygge Homeschool, the focus is on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for learning. It's about embracing the season's charm and taking advantage of the unique opportunities it presents. So, as the mornings become frosty and the days grow shorter, remember to savour the moments spent with your children, and cherish the memories you create together during this beautiful, cosy season of learning.

I would love to hear all the ways you create a warm and cosy space over winter. I'd love to hear your thoughts and stories, so please feel free to share in the comments below. Your input means the world to me!