As the days get shorter and the air grows crisp, I find myself slipping into the comforts of "cozy season." This time of year is all about warmth, relaxation, and finding joy in the little things. Here are five simple ways I’m making the most of this cozy time of year.
1. Evening Tea Ritual
One of my favorite evening rituals is making a warm cup of tea. Recently, my son saw me preparing tea and asked, "Mommy, are you making tea?" I smiled and said, "Yes, would you like some?" He paused and replied, "No thanks, I just like when you guys do that. It makes me feel good, like it's a special occasion." His words warmed my heart—it was a sweet reminder of how small traditions can bring comfort and togetherness to our home. Even if tea isn't really your thing, find something simple yet special you can do each night that can be a little ritual that can create a sense of peace and connection in your family. Bonus points: if you break out your fancy tea cups for some extra specialness!
2. Big, Soft, Oversized Sweatshirts
There’s nothing better than wrapping yourself in a big, cozy sweatshirt when the weather turns chilly. My go-to this season is my oversized "Creative" sweatshirt from my store, perfect for those laid-back days when comfort is key. If you’re looking for your own cozy wardrobe addition, you can check it out here.
3. Re-reading "The Little Book of Hygge"
A few years ago I was majorly on the struggle bus with the intense north east winters we get here, and was really needing help as I patiently waited for spring. My husband suggested I look into the "hygge" which is a Danish word that describes a cozy, contented mood evoked by comfort. This was a game changer for me. To start me on my journey of how to make my lifestyle more hygge, I bought the book The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking. This wonderful book is a gentle reminder of how life's simple pleasures—candles, blankets, shared meals—can make all the difference. It encourages me to slow down and find joy in the moment, which is especially important when life gets busy. It’s become a part of my daily routine that helps me reset and refocus on what really matters. To help me get back into the hygge mindset, I have started re-reading The Little Book of Hygge in the mornings while I enjoy my coffee, or in the evenings as I sip my tea (bonus hygge points!)
4. Sketching Cozy Things
When I started my hygge journey a few years ago, I also started illustrating images that I thought conveyed a sense of cozy, comfort and slowness in my life. Now that the air once again has a chill in it, I've started drawing and painting more of things that make me feel safe, warm, and cozy—like oversized blankets, mugs of hot cocoa, and candlelit corners. Drawing is my way of relaxing and reflecting, and it helps me tune into the feeling of coziness that the season brings. If you’d like to join in, I’ve created a cozy autumn drawing guide that you can find here for some creative inspiration! Also, if you are looking for some accountability and support in your own art making journey, I invite you to check out my Patreon! It's a community based platform where myself and others create art virtually together, learn and share! If you're interested, I will leave the link here :)
5. Embracing the Outdoors, Even in the Chill
Even though the air is getting chillier, I’m making it a point to get outside as much as possible. There’s something about the cool breeze and the way the sunlight hits your face in the morning that feels so rejuvenating. Spending time in nature boosts my mood and energy, and I find that even a few minutes of fresh air can work wonders for my mindset. Plus, it’s a great way to reset after a busy day or take a moment to appreciate the season’s beauty.
As I embrace cozy season, I hope these simple ideas inspire you to find your own little moments of warmth and joy this fall. Whether it’s savoring a cup of tea, snuggling up drawing in your sketchbook under cozy blankets, or stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, there are so many ways to make the most of this beautiful time of year.