Each week we cut through the noise to bring you smart, practical recommendations on how to live better – from what is worth buying to the tools, habits and ideas that actually last.
I’ve always dreaded winter. When daylight saving takes away precious hours of sunlight and I need 10 extra layers to leave my apartment, I begin counting down to summer.
But after speaking with Swedish writer Jonna Dagliden Hunt, I’ve found myself rethinking my mindset around the season. Scandinavians experience long, freezing winters, and they’re experts at surviving and thriving in the frigid months.
Recently, Dagliden Hunt shared the winter attire Scandinavians can’t live without. And now, she’s extending her advice to other corners of life, recommending the best habits, cozy clothing, home decor, and evening rituals for enjoying chilly winter nights like a true Scandinavian.
For your wellbeing: sunlight and saunas
During the winter, Scandinavians welcome the contrast of hot and cold. Some use their lunch break to enjoy a trip to the sauna, alternating between a cold bath and the steam of the sauna. Another way to embrace this contrast is to simply take a cold shower, followed by a hot one.
Dagliden Hunt also recommends getting fresh air each day. “Being outdoors and getting that light is so important,” she said.
For your body: snuggle up
After you’ve enjoyed time outside, Dagliden Hunt recommends trading in the heavy coats and jackets for a warm wool sweater, like this one from Stutterheim. As for socks, try a knitted pair for extra warmth.
And once you’re ready to turn in for the night, she loves soft pajamas, like ones from Magniberg.
For the home: bring in the warmth
According to Dagliden Hunt, small touches can help cultivate a cozy atmosphere during winter.
“The homes are, I think, very important to at least the Swedes … it’s that feeling of being cocooned,” she said.
Her recommended items include scented candles and blankets. Her favorites? Scented candles from Swedish brand L: a Bruket and a vibrant, folklore-inspired throw from Klippan.
For the soul: swap screentime for socializing
Rather than spending the evening doomscrolling, many Scandinavians take a different approach – gathering in person for family game nights or weeknight dinners with friends.
For Dagliden Hunt, it’s that sense of community that’s proven crucial to surviving Sweden’s long winter season.
Lauren Gould
Editorial coordinator, the Filter US
Put to the test: Apple AirPods as hearing aids
When journalist Christopher Albritton, who’d spent time in combat zones where things exploded loudly, was diagnosed with hearing loss, he was shocked by the high cost of hearing aids. So, he pitted the Apple AirPod Pro 3s against his hearing aids to see how they compared.
And it turns out that for some populations, the AirPod Pro 3s might be an affordable alternative.
Read the full story here: How do Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 compare against hearing aids? I put them to the test
Best of: Advent calendars
Food writer Bernadette Machard de Gramont has started her countdown to Christmas early, recommending 19 Advent calendars whose doors reveal more than just chocolate.
From mouthwatering marshmallows to Moonshine Minis (with a few beauty treats and toys mixed in, too), she’s rounded up the best Advent calendars sure to help us get into the holiday spirit.
Read the full story here: The best Advent calendars in the US: 19 unique picks for a delightful Christmas countdown
Best of: toaster ovens
At its best, the toaster oven can replace some of your bulky, expensive kitchen appliances – saving both money and counter space.
Recipe developer and former professional chef Kiki Aranita spent months testing out different models, roasting whole chickens, reheating pizza, and toasting plenty of bread, before arriving at one toaster oven that she deemed “basically perfect”.
Read the full story here: The 10 best toaster ovens in the US – tested and reviewed
Gifting 101: entrepreneurs
Know someone in your life with a running list of business ideas? Do you have a self-employed family member with ten side hustles who somehow still has time to train for a marathon? If so, we want to help you find them the perfect gift.
Our writer spoke to 25 entrepreneurs, ranging from a ghostwriter to a home decor designer, who recommended everything from a silk eye pillow to a temperature-controlled coffee mug.
Read her guide here: Gifts for the entrepreneur in your life
Get involved: your pet’s best gift ever
For some of us, our pets are honorary members of our families. And whether your kitten has a stocking with its name on it, or you’ve spent hours searching for the perfect treat, toy or trinket for your pup, we want to hear from you.
Tell us your story in 100 words or fewer, and don’t forget to attach a photo.
Send your submissions to thefilter.us@theguardian.com with the subject line “My pet’s best gift ever” for a chance to be featured on a future edition of our newsletter.
