New Hampshire is cold.

Merrimack, NH. Bean Road. Down the street from my house. 

The Temperatures outside regularly descend into the teens. And certain economically minded husbands prefer to keep thermostats low. My husband, in particular, keeps our thermostat at a chilling 65 degrees (58 at night and when we’re not home).

When I first moved to New Hampshire, my winter wardrobe consisted of thin cashmere cardigans and heeled leather boots. I was used to Boston’s winter. Though only an hour south, the sidewalks were salted, the restaurants were warm, and people spent most of their time indoors.

Now, after 4 years in The North, I am armed with Woolrich blankets and chunky woolen sweaters. I wear thick socks and I only complain when my socked foot steps on melted snow from my husband’s boots. (“MATT! TAKE OFF YOUR BOOTS! PUDDLES EVERYWHERE!”)

But my hands are still cold. Even as I type, I have to take little breaks to curl my fingers into fists or rub my palms together. It can be hard to find cheer in this weather. So I look for it everywhere!

The Little Book of Hygge appeared last month on my Pinterest feed. The cover design looked cozy and happy and simple. It was photographed, on Pinterest, beside a roaring fire and woolen socks. The photo really sold me. I was attracted to the idea of inexpensive warmth.

After purchasing and reading the book, I feel more armed for the next few months. Hygge, as described by author Meik Wiking, is “about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It’s about being with the people we love. A feeling of home.”

Warmth and comfort and cheer. Fires. Candle lit dinners. Not pretending or posing. Slow cooked hearty food. Wiking describes an example of a particularly hygge evening: friends are outside, sitting by a campfire, after a long hike, and drinking whiskey in silence and ease. This is a comfort that is appealing to me, because it is attainable.

Hygge is attainable for everyone. It requires little money. A hygge evening is a potluck supper with friends, not an expensive night out.

Lately,  I’ve been seeking hygge- lighting candles, spending time talking with my husband and family rather than watching TV, playing boardgames, and watching the snow fall. It is peaceful.