Years ago, I stumbled across the Danish idea of Hygge, the coziness and comfortable friendliness that gives rise to a feeling of contentment as defined in the dictionary. In lamens terms, it means engaging in cozy activities that allow for purposeful time away from the daily hustle and bustle to enjoy the people you care about while relaxing and genuinely focusing on life's simple pleasures. In a world where everyone is telling you how to live your best life, why not take some influence from people who are genuinely doing that? 

Atmosphere 

Even though you are at home, there are many ways to bring a little Disney flair into your house. The focus is just a tangible way for the fall season. My favorite way to do this is to decorate a Disney-esque tiered tray. It's easy, changeable for each season, and allows for all the cute mugs that you need for other things on this list. Plus, let's be honest, you can only have a few mugs for warm drinks when the weather gets cold out. I'm a big fan. The giant Mickey pumpkin candle holder, yeah, he sets the tone of the entire tray for me. 

It's all fun, all Disney-themed, and easy to do or get lost in while enjoying the company of those I love the most.

Pleasure 

Nothing is more pleasurable than a sweet treat to indulge in after a long day of dealing with the cold. Fall is the beginning of baking, so we do just that. What's the one treat that comes to mind when I think of Disney... Churro's. It might be a nostalgic thing or a Disneyland lover thing, but Disney and Churros go hand in hand. Being the vegan I am, this The Big Man's World recipe is my favorite! 

Equality 

Sharing is caring; it's the we, not the me! We share a ton during these months in simple ways. The other day, I bought my daughter this super cute Disney sponge to make helping clean up around the house a little more fun. It sounds silly, but we live here and share the load. A fun towel set makes it a good time, and it looks cute when you're done, too! 

Gratitude

I fully realize what I'm about to say is a completely Thanksgiving thing, but it's something I have come to look forward to. Hallmark is one of my favorite stores for random, adorable things. While perusing the store, I found the Thank You card section and found that they have quite a few blanks or Thank You Disney-specific boxed note cards. Thus, the tradition has started. Every November, I pick 3 to 5 people I'm thankful for and send them a little gratitude notecard in the mail. Just a sweet something that says thank you for being a part of my life; I'm so glad you're in it. It brings me so much joy to put a smile on someone's face. The fact they're Disney-themed is just the icing on the cake.

Harmony 

Harmony is confidence in yourself. Feeling at peace with yourself and love for those around you it's about feeling centered. My favorite way to bring that into myself is by doing counts of three with daily affirmations. I close my eyes while breathing deeply in the saying or thought, hold my breath while repeating it, and exhale while reciting it aloud. I repeat this series of telling myself this optimistic thought five times before going on with my day. It only takes a minute, and yet it helps so much with having that little bit of extra faith in myself as I navigate my day. It is breathing in peace and letting go of any negativity plaguing me. 

Here are some ideas: 

• Even miracles take a little time ~ Cinderella 

• Our fate lives within us; you only have to be brave enough to see it. ~Brave

• Remember, you're the one who can fill the world with sunshine. ~ Snow White

• Sometimes, the right path is not the easiest one. ~ Grandmother Willow, Pocahontas

• If you do your best each and every day, good things are sure to come your way. ~ The Princess and the Frog

Shelter

Shelter is creating a safe, little, cozy place in your home where you can snuggle up with a book and a cup of warmth. We all need a haven, our spot in our home. Mine changes every season according to what's going on around the house. This fall, the chair by the window in our living room with the ottoman. I even decked it out with a cute little fall Disney pillow from the beloved HomeGoods, my new blanket, and the book of choice this season. (Making my way through all the Twisted Tales). It's my cozy haven.

I hope this inspires you to bring your own bits of Hygge into your life this season. Even if you're not ready, I hope you'll enjoy this look into mine. PS Don't worry; I'll update you on what has changed in the winter. Until then, relax, settle down, and get cozy.