What Nordic People Do To Stay Happy During The Winter Months

It’s getting cold

Last year, as temperatures dropped, my neighbor told me that she had read an article about Nordic people and how they power through the dark, freezing season like champions.

She wondered what our secret is because she couldn’t stand being out and about during the winter. It prompted me to write a story about the topic, with a personal touch to it. Some things I truly love about the season, and how those winter blues haven’t really impacted me (too much).

New year, same season, here’s a little reminder and some new items:

Hot dogs over an open flame

Going hiking, sledding, or ice-skating is a common weekend activity in the Nordic countries during the winter. Just like those friends in the photo, you go out, take advantage of the snow, and take it all in.

The best part? Break-time, when you grill hot dogs over an open flame. Just hot dogs in a bun, and a thermos of hot coffee. It’s amazing.

It’s the combination of the cold temperatures, the white snow and the fire providing warmth and simple comfort food that makes this experience wonderful.

It’s probably one of the easiest lunches you can make outdoors, but oh-so-good. My opinion? Hot dogs never tasted as outstanding as when they’re made over an open flame, slightly burnt.

Back to sledding, full and content.

A home you want to be in

A place you look forward to coming home to, one you’re excited to wake up in. Whether the home is filled with stuff or you’re like me, thriving in a space with less, it’s all about creating that home you want to be in.

It’s not for your friends or co-workers. It’s a space for you, and you’re allowed to be selfish. Create a space that brings you a little bit of happiness.

Can you imagine anything less appealing than coming home to a cold and empty home lacking that personal touch (especially after being outside in the freezing winter breeze)?

The Danish word hygge has become a universal way of explaining all things cozy, warm and fuzzy. The most important thing about this state of being is not the material parts such as the candles, blankets, sweatpants, and all that. They play a part, for sure, but at the core of it, it’s about what gives you that good feeling of being content and comfortable where you’re at.

It’s an authentic, personal thing.

Stews, soups and sweet, delicious carbs

Stews and soups are staples during the winter season, especially in the Nordic region.

One of the main ingredients is often the humble potato.

It’s an affordable and easily accessible ingredient. (potatoes grow well in the Nordic countries due to the colder climate).

The stew I usually make has a lot of potatoes, some chunks of meat, onions, carrots, and broccoli. I usually make a large batch and keep it for days. Sometimes, I find that it tastes better the next day. My husband made the soup in the photo above, and it tasted as good as it looks, if not better.

Creamy and comforting.

The Finnish people are creative when it comes to stews. One of their most common and popular stews is Merimiespata. It is prepared with potatoes, beef onions, and beer (!). This stew is traditionally cooked in the oven, and when the vegetables are tender and the meat is cooked, it is garnished with thyme before it is served. Yes, please.

We also love our baked goods packed with carbs, especially when it’s cold out. Cinnamon buns, cardamon buns, chocolate buns, we’ll take it all.

Especially after a long day, walking home from work in the snow, shoveling the driveway, or after an outdoor weekend outing.

If you’re just popping in to visit friends during the winter, you’re likely to be offered coffee and some baked goods to go with it.

Layer on layer on layer

Nordic people are amazing at dressing appropriately for the winter season.

Which, if I’m honest, is a struggle in our house these days. Some of my kids’ friends still wear shorts and my kids want to do the same. I say no, and become the “mean mom”.

Oh, well.

In the Nordic countries, there is a common saying that there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing. It’s a way of saying means to dress up, layer after layer, preferably in layered wool, and get outside. Like those young Finnish people having a blast in the snow, featured above.

When your socks don’t get wet because your shoes aren’t waterproof and you’re warm and comfortable because you’re wearing wool on wool, and on top of that you have a windproof and waterproof jacket, it’s more enjoyable to stay outside.

You’re ready for whatever harsh weather is coming your way.

Regardless of age or physical condition, winter as well as summer, Nordic people make an effort to spend time outside. In Norway, where I’m from, people tend to spend a lot of money on winter clothes and outdoor sports gear. It’s viewed as an investment, something worth prioritizing.

Candles and real fireplaces

Not a deep, profound thing. But it’s needed.

With just a few hours of daylight every day during the darkest season, Nordic people love their candles and are not about to swap them out anytime soon. If you’re far enough north, you may not even have any daylight at all.

You need some material hygge to get through that.

During the winter season, candles of all sizes, shapes, and scents are essential in Nordic homes. You’ll not find fake plastic candles. Even with it being a fire hazard, people love their candles.

Same with fireplaces. With electricity costs going up (a lot) in Norway, many people depend on their fireplaces to provide heat during the coldest months. Plus, nothing beats that crackling sound of a fireplace.

Freezing socializing

It might be a hassle getting out to visit friends and family during the cold months, but it’s a priority are willing to make, and it adds to their happiness. For me, it definitely did.

Rather than hibernating during the winter season, you make the most of it, and it’s always better in good company. Simply spending time with others can be refreshing, whether it’s a family member or an acquaintance.

In the United States, most playgrounds are empty from November to the end of March (at least in the Northeast, where it gets cold during this time). We went to a large playground in our area last weekend and we were the only ones there. For the whole hour we spent there.

This is not the case in Nordic countries.

Restaurants are lively, playgrounds are filled with kids and parents sipping coffee, parks are busy. The winter is not some terrible time you have to get through. It’s a season you enjoy. Especially December!

Sure, it’s cold, but that’s not the end of the world.

A generous dose of caffeine

I’m going to keep this one short because if you’ve been following me, you know Nordic people absolutely love coffee and drink a ton of it.

The highest annual per-person consumption of coffee can be found in Nordic countries. Finland is topping the list, with a national average of 26.45 lbs (12 kg) per person, per year.

Coffee is consumed all day, every day.

In Finland, two 10-minute coffee breaks are legally mandated for most workers. Nordic people love their coffee and need their coffee.

End of story.

The common theme is people, good food, and looking forward to each season and the things you enjoy rather than dreading what’s ahead.

Just ditch the shorts (talking to my kids), layer up, and you’re good to go.