Holy Hygge: A Catholic Approach to Easing the Winter Blues

Shauna’h Fuegen shares her approach to navigating the dark winter months with prayer and ambience.

I had been living in Maine for a few years when I started not being able to get out of bed in the mornings. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression in adulthood, my initial thought was that I must be going through a depressive period. Strangely, however, I didn’t feel depressed. I wasn’t sad or overly stressed. I was just really, really, really fatigued, and struggling to get anything done. Eventually I ran out of coping mechanisms and went to see my doctor, who ran some tests and discovered my vitamin D levels were in the sub-basement. Not just low, but below ground.

It turns out that living in a place where the sun sets around 4 PM in mid-December is really hard on your body. Maine is near the edge of the Eastern time zone, so it gets darker earlier here than where I grew up in Buffalo, NY. Winter lasts a long time, as well, with snow commonly being on the ground from November through the beginning of April. It’s a wonderful place to live in many ways—but holy moly, the winters can be hard.

As winter begins and daylight retreats in the northern hemisphere, many people find themselves grappling with Seasonal Affective Disorder, or even just some light winter blues. I started feeling the familiar panic approaching when Daylight Savings Time ended in early November. If you’re like me, reach out to your doctor to discuss your seasonal struggles. You don’t have to grin and bear it through suffering.

This year I’ve tried some new practices to support my body during these darker days. I’ve employed the Danish concept of hygge, which involves creating a cozy atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. Winter is a unique and special time of year, and it holds benefits we can’t tap into in the warmer months. Layering hygge with my faith has brought great peace and stability into my winter.

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Prayer.

Every day is the best day to pray, but I’ve found that prayer becomes even more important to me when I’m struggling with the changing seasons. In moments of (literal) darkness, prayer becomes a source of strength and comfort for me, fostering a deeper connection with God and providing a welcome routine in my days. I’ve been aiming to take a short walk each morning while listening to the Sing the Hours podcast and praying Lauds/Morning Prayer.

Get out into nature.

As Catholics we acknowledge the beauty of the natural world as a reflection of God's creation. Spending time outdoors, especially during the daylight hours, allows us to immerse ourselves in this divine tapestry, fostering a sense of awe and gratitude. On my morning walks I’ve been noticing how good it feels to breathe crisp air, the growing piles of leaves, and the slow death of the vines that wind around a tree branch. In the winter months, when sunlight is scarce, making a deliberate effort to spend time outdoors during the brightest part of the day gives our bodies the vitamin D it needs and is a boost for our mental health.

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Light candles and burn incense.

In the Catholic faith, candles hold profound symbolism, representing the light of Christ illuminating the darkness. Incense has historically been used as a visual representation of our prayers lifting up to God’s ears in Heaven. The warm glow of candlelight creates a beautiful ambience for reverent prayer and reflection.

Connect with family and friends.

Go for a walk with your kids, stay after Mass for coffee and muffins, or invite friends over for a candlelit Rosary and dinner. Find new ways of spending time with loved ones to keep your spirits up, especially after dark.

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By intertwining Catholic traditions with hygge approaches, we can navigate the winter blues with a sense of faith, hope, and resilience. #CatholicMom

For Catholics facing the challenges of winter, our faith can become a lifeline, connecting us to the divine source of comfort. By intertwining Catholic traditions with hygge approaches, we can navigate the winter blues with a sense of faith, hope, and resilience.

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