With another round of heavy snow and freezing rain set to hit Michigan this week, it’s the perfect time to embrace hygge.

At this point, you’re probably asking yourself, “What in the world is hygge?”

Hygge—pronounced hoo-gah—is a Danish word for that warm, cozy feeling you get from slow winter moments and today, The ’Gander’s Sophie Boudreau will show you how to bring that vibe to Michigan’s coldest days.

Michigan judge denies injunction request for new marijuana tax (MI Advance): A Michigan Court of Claims judge refused a request for a preliminary injunction on the state’s new 24% wholesale marijuana tax, ruling industry groups hadn’t shown the levy was unconstitutional or would cause irreparable harm. The case will continue, however, as the court said there’s still a factual question about whether the tax conflicts with the voter-approved law that legalized cannabis. Industry advocates say they’ll appeal.

Landfills sue Michigan companies over PFAS contamination (MLive): Two West Michigan landfills are suing Wolverine Worldwide and 3M, alleging years of PFAS contamination tied to the companies’ old tannery waste. The landfills say they’ve spent millions on monitoring and leachate treatment, while Wolverine argues other sources are to blame. The lawsuits follow the federal designation of key PFAS chemicals as hazardous, which could leave companies on the hook for cleanup costs.

Officials stress caution on ice following 2 deaths (WILX): Michigan officials are warning Michiganders that ice is still dangerously unstable following the deaths of two brothers who fell through ice on Island Lake in Kalkaska County. Officials say thickness can vary dramatically from shore to center and urge testing the ice constantly, carrying safety gear, and never going out alone. Their bottom line: no ice is ever 100% safe, especially with shifting temperatures.

Get your cozy on during the snowy season with our roundup of hygge activities in Michigan. (Unsplash)

By Sophie Boudreau

If you’re a fan of all things cozy, you’re probably familiar with the concept of hygge. Pronounced “hoo-gah,” hygge originates with Danish culture and refers to a sense of comfort, coziness, and general contentment —often marked by candlelit conversations with friends, curling up under warm blankets with tea and a good book, or simply enjoying a meal by the fireplace as snow falls outside. Basically, if something makes you feel all fuzzy inside, it probably qualifies as hygge.

As winter approaches, the appeal of hygge grows—especially in places like Michigan, where dreary days and freezing temperatures quickly become the norm once December rolls around. Thankfully, we’ve taken time to gather up a list of activities and events in the Great Lakes State that will help you embrace hygge all season long. From toasty beverages to cozy Michigan getaways, there’s a little something in our roundup for everyone to enjoy, like:

1. Curling up in a homey cabin

Is there anything more relaxing and charming than unwinding in a warm, no-frills cabin in the woods while snow falls quietly outside your window? Thankfully, Michigan has its fair share of places to relax when the urge to hibernate strikes, including spots like this beautifully decorated A-frame in Indian River.

When you book a stay at this spot on Devereaux Lake, you’ll find everything from an indoor fireplace to a hot tub and a cabinet full of board games, all surrounded by snowcapped trees and natural beauty galore. Because the cabin requires a three-night minimum and sleeps four guests, it’s great for families or groups of friends looking to get away from it all—in true hygge style.

2. Make (and burn!) your own candle

Candle making might just become your new winter hobby. (Unsplash)

If you ask us, candles are a necessity all year long. In the wintertime, though, their appeal only grows, adding a dash of warmth and light to those moody grey days. If you find yourself in West Michigan, a visit to Wax Poetic Candle Bar in Grand Rapids makes for the perfect hygge activity.

As its name suggests, Wax Poetic allows visitors to craft their very own candles by selecting scents and containers that speak to their style. It’s a popular activity for bachelorette parties, birthday outings, and date nights—and the best part is lighting your custom candle when you’re back home.

The ‘Gander is here to give Michigan straightforward, easy-to-understand reporting about what’s happening across the state. As our year-end drive continues through Dec. 16, reader support shapes what we’re able to cover in the year ahead.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story from Sophie Boudreau. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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