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In the cold of early January, when Americans are packing holiday lights and candles in storage boxes, the Danish remain deliberate about creating warmth and comfort at home. This aim of coziness and togetherness, the practice of "hygge" (pronounced HUE-guh) is something the Danish, the world’s leaders in happiness, can teach us. The trend has taken the U.S. by quiet comfortable storm in the past year and is, it seems, here to stay. Click through gallery to learn how to hygge Sonoma style.
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Let your light shine: The warm glow of holiday lights should not necessarily end up in the storage bin with the inflatable snowmen and animated deer. Keep your indoors cozy by creating pools of soft light, an essential element of hygge, according to the "Little Book of Hygge." Fairy lights can give a soft patch of glow to your dimly lit (cozy) room. $7.95-$15.95, Urban Garden, Montgomery Village Shopping Center, 2313 Magowan Dr, Santa Rosa, 707-543-7037, myurbangarden.com
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Wrap up in cozy weaves: These wool throws and pillows by TREKO are perfectly hygge. Woven by Chilean artisans into modern designs by Sonoma-based designer Catalina Marin, they are a natural, well-made source of coziness. $425-$750, Chateau Sonoma, 23588 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, 707-935-8553, chateausonoma.com
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Wax poetic: A great maker of hygge is candlelight, especially from scentless candles. Natural is the through-line, and the glow of candlelight is very soothing. This beeswax candle can clock 90 hours of cozy burn time. $32, Beekind, 921 Gravenstein Hwy S., Sebastopol, 707-824-2905, beekind.com
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Get Hyggelig Feet: Bundle up those feet with 100 percent pure wool by Glerups. Available in indoor sole or outdoor sole. G's General Store, 19 W Napa St., Sonoma, 707-933-8082, ggeneralstore.com
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Have comforting cakes: Watching waistlines is so New-Year’s-resolution-like, but the Danish code of cozy says that comforting foods are a must. Marcela of Scandia Bakery says her idea of hygge from her Swedish upbringing is “living life to the fullest.” Scandia bakery has a 30-year tradition of making authentic danishes and their signature Princess cakes. Soups and sandwiches are served, too, which are just as hygge. Scandia Bakery, 500 W Napa St. #542, Sonoma, 707-938-5820, scandiabakery.com
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Have a "cuppa" love: Cozying up in a nook with a book or chatting with friends along with a “cuppa” coffee or tea is also very hygge. Drinking out of a natural material, like ceramic, is more hygge. $38, Ileoni, 120 Kentucky St, Petaluma, 707-762-9611,ileoni.com
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Bring outdoors in: Natural elements are important in the Scandinavian home. This hurricane, with a driftwood adorned base, is a double hygge. $38, Furniture Depot, Historic Railroad Square, 100 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-575-3198, oldtownfurnitures.com
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Take cozy cover: The softness and warmth of cashmere makes for a perfect cover. If coziness could scream, it would do that right here. $179, G's General Store, 19 W Napa St., Sonoma, 707-933-8082, ggeneralstore.com
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Cook cozy and gather: A pot of simmering dinner is both aromatherapy and comforting nourishment. These spice blends sourced by Savory Spice Company are unbelievably fresh and flavorful. Use them to inspire some great dishes for family and friends to enjoy. Gathering with others is central to hygge. $41.95 (30% off until January 7), Savory Spice Shop, 201 W Napa St #5, Sonoma, 707-721-1570, 17 D St, Santa Rosa, 707-284-1310, savoryspiceshop.com
