How Germans & Scandinavians Have Taught Me To Love Winter 🇩🇪 Practicing Hygge & Gemütlichkeit ASMR

[@kathybradberry6400]

My lovely friend, I so enjoyed seeing your new home. You know we don’t get to see snow like that at home! You have always inspired me by your flexible and loving attitude no matter what situation you find yourself in! Stay warm 😘

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Hi Kathy! So nice to see a comment from you on here, that made me smile. Thanks so much for watching!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Today's video is a bit different than our other videos. It's the kind of video I LOVE to create - cinematic, beautiful - something that transports you to another place for 11 minutes. The video is all about what I've learned from Germans and Scandinavians to learn to enjoy winter through Hygge and Gemütlichkeit. I have a lot of gorgeous snow footage in the video and I know that most of Germany doesn't get this kind of snow. However, that is all the more reason to practice Hygge and Gemütlichkeit. Hygge comes from Denmark and they rarely get snow there either. Their winters are dark, cold and rainy. Those who don't get snow need Hygge/Gemütlichkeit even more! I hope you enjoy it and it makes you feel cozy. 😍☃️❄️ What are YOUR favorite tips for making the most out of winter?

[@CCervido]

First, you have a great narrator voice! And when it comes to winter you are lucky that you are living at the foot of the alps where you have lots of snow. That is making a huge difference, because it reflects a lot of light, even at night. So, having snow for extended periods of time makes winter feel much less dark than it would otherwise.

[@whattheflyingfuck...]

Love it! Thanks a lot. Tell your husband your gorgeous xD

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

@@whattheflyingfuck... hahaha thank you!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

@@CCervido the snow definitely helps! And thank you for the compliments.

[@RasMosi]

I know it is 2 years old, but I thought you should get a "thumbs up" for this .. very very nice! Thanks.

[@cobba42]

I live in roughly the same area as you and I can confirm: "winter is coming" isn't a threat but merely a promise for different activities and fun.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Ah yes! I love that. Not a threat but a promise for different activities and fun.

[@janpracht6662]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Germans can still learn so much from Scandinavians and their way of life. In Scandinavian countries they attach great importance to social interaction with one another (when kids come to school there they learn at first social behaviour before they get lessons ins maths, biology or languages). That is why Scandinavians are very peaceful and friendly people. The "I am higher than you" (like in many countries) is fairly unknown there, a University Professor sits together with a plumber completely natural. I worked for a Danish company in Hamburg (the world's largest jewellry brand), it was more a family than a company. Our Danish boss ordered us free Pizza before overtime-hours and icecream in the summer, VIP tickets for the soccer-stadium and paid us a Halloween party during the work time. Well, the Danish company-parties always escalated (you only need a DJ, and an "all-you-can-drink-bar" in the canteen- then Danes are not to stop any more, like an avalanche breaking loose...). Also important: Everyone in Danmark, signing an employment contract is automatically in the labour union- no one is left behind, everyone gets their rights! The taxes are fairly high there, but or that healthcare system, public sports fields, parks and roads are perfectly in order.

[@diedruidin]

@@janpracht6662 You are not born in North Germany..(S-H) Sonst würdest du denn Unterschied kennen !!!

[@janpracht6662]

@@diedruidin I am born in Lower Saxony, live in Hamburg and spent a lot of time in Danmark.

[@diedruidin]

@@janpracht6662 Yes, you life in in Hamburg and Danmark, but you're not born. Was , südliches Niedersachsen grins

[@ansie9477]

So ein wundervolles, inspirierendes Video!!! Du bist eine Künstlerin ❤️ Such a wonderful and inspiring video!!! You're an artist😊

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Vielen dank! 😍😍

[@Anson_AKB]

the video showed how i remember the winters as a child, having lots of snow, walking through the forest, having fun with my sled, or even 20+ years ago (once) walking through the snow on winterly roads with the sound of scrunching footsteps, even in a big city. *thanks for bringing back those memories.* but that changed over time, and for maybe 2-3 decades now, we only had one real winter and only for a total of two snowy weeks and otherwise more and more rain and wind and at most slushy roads after one or two days of snow, heavy rain and storm, very heavy rain and daily storm (not hurricane, but wind speed) warnings during the last week, and temperatures _either_ slightly above 0C (32F) _or_ some days at -10C to -15C (14F to 5F). there always were mild years with first flowers (crocus and lily of the valley) already before my father's birthday in february, or some last snowfall at my grandmother's birthday mid-may. but there was no year without a few weeks of snow at moderately cold temperatures. is this the global warming? my passed family? or just that memories are better than reality? probably all of it ... to me, and where i live, this is no more enjoyable time for cozy winters, but only an ugly wet season nowadays :-( *enjoy the snowy winters, and spending time with your family, while you can!*

[@Winona493]

​@@Anson_AKBI really loved your comment!!! Can relate to everything!!!❤

[@ceedo9703]

Ein sehr schönes Video. Ich musste dabei auch direkt an ein sehr schönes, berühmtes deutsches Wort denken: die Gemütlichkeit, 😊 wobei auch die Behaglichkeit sehr gut passt. Macht es euch weiterhin schön gemütlich 🙋‍♂️😊

[@klaushohmann1101]

Sehr gutes Video mit genau den richtigen Tipps!Der Mensch hat verlernt MIT der Natur zu leben.Winterzeit ist die Zeit zum zurück lehnen und Kraft zu sammeln.Ich setze mich jeden Abend in meinen Sessel,trinke ein gutes Glas Wein,höre entspannende Musik,und lese in einem Buch.Das hilft mir meinen Kopf frei von all den unsinnigen Gedanken des Tages zu machen.Bleibt gesund und genießt die Zeit der Ruhe.

[@MillefleursDE]

What a beautiful even magical video… I entirely share your philosophy as the calm winter months offer you the possibility to enjoy time for yourself and cozy moments inside. But even outside it‘s breathtaking with the snow and the cold… you have given us the proof that mother nature offers us pure magic even in winter… Thank you very much for sharing …

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes! There is magic in every season. I’m so glad you enjoyed the video. 💕

[@karinland8533]

A really stunning beautiful video! And a very wise lecture

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you!

[@KlausZanetti]

Sunday morning. Time for a comfy breakast. Sitting at the table "with my friends from abroad" (linked by my notebook) 😄. Almost "normal" during autumn and winter season. I like it 👍. Hi guys, I appreciate to start my day by watching your videos. Even this one today, which at first sounded a little bit melancholic, but then reflected your point of view and live style in the colder and darker seasons in a good mood. Your private thoughts, calmed down and fitting to wether, nature, winter season ... Until next week 🙋‍♂during breakfast time 😘.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Morgen, Klaus! A cozy video to go with your cozy breakfast. Love it! Schönnen to you!

[@burkhardd5182]

You have understood the well-being concept 100% correctly. Congratulations, because not everyone knows how to do that.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

That’s for sure, haha, some of the comments on this video prove your point. Some people chose to be grumpy no matter what! 😆😂 But not me.

[@jetspark62]

Very beautiful video!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you!

[@danielblume7753]

Wow, was für ein wundervolles Video :) Tolle Botschaft! Schnitt, Bilder sowie musikalische Untermalung wie immer top! Vielen Dank :) Deine/Eure Videos sind Entspannung genug - wer braucht da noch Kamin und Co :)

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Vielen dank! 🤩😍

[@connyapfelbaum4498]

Sehr schönes Video! Selbst ich, als Deutsche, die nie woanders gelebt hat, leide unter der dunklen und kalten Jahreszeit. Du gibst sehr nützliche und hilfreiche Tipps, die mir Inspirationen geben. Dankeschön und liebe Grüße aus Düsseldorf.

[@yvonneschonberger197]

Nichts geht über die Gemütlichkeit in dieser Jahreszeit.Sehr schönes Video👍🥰❄️❄️☃️

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Vielen dank! 💕

[@dramafanforever7598]

You certainly have a wonderful house and an amazing decorating style. You also are a beautiful woman. Up here in NRW we hardly get snow. But when the outside is grey, windy and wet it's even more important to have a gemütliches house or cosy flat. Tea is always a good idea! I came to appreciate all the lights people put up in the pre-Christmas time and then the sometimes white landscapes in Jan, Feb and March. But when the first flowers break through and the first branches become green my heart overflows. Fall is also a beautiful season. Every season has its ups and down and I just love that I live in a place where there is a seasonal change throughout the year.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes! That’s right - when it’s grey and windy and wet outside it’s the perfect time to have a Gemütliches Haus.

[@starryk79]

It definitely helps to live in a region of Gernany where snow makes the winter more beautiful than in most other regions in Germany where it is just grey and rainy and cloudy with 5 - 10 degrees above zero on the day and 0 - 5 degrees in the night for weeks with barely any sun. I know snow is annoying for those that need to drive to their workplace but otherwise it makes the world look much nicer and with the correct clothing can be enjoyed much more than the winter weather without snow.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah definitely snow makes it easier to enjoy, but Denmark also rarely gets snow and that’s where Hygge is mostly practiced. I think the places that don’t get snow but are cold and grey need Hygge the most, and also to use the German wisdom to get out into the cold with good, proper clothing.

[@jurgenwittmann2905]

We live in Munich near the alps - but we had only 2-4 days with little snow this winter. I'm longing for a real winter with -10°C and lots of snow. Just to have fun in nature. Walking at +7° and muddy ground is no fun.

[@hertelantje]

What a declaration of love to Winter! Can’t wait for the Spring version.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Ooo I love spring, too! I did make a Winter to Spring video last year that’s here on the channel.

[@brigitteschmitz9266]

Most beautiful video I have watched in a while! My heart is warm ❤. Thank you Sara!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you so much, Brigitte.

[@LaureninGermany]

This was unexpected and so beautiful this morning! Talk about calm after the storm. Absolutely, it would be a waste of precious life to wish away the Winter months, when it is truly possible to enjoy them. Yes, kids and in my case, dogs, teach us to embrace the wondrous things that are in front of our eyes, which we are often too busy to stop for a while for, and be aware of. I will have an epsom salt bath in your honour today or tomorrow!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Oooo enjoy your bath, Lauren! So glad you enjoyed the video. 😍

[@arnodobler1096]

Hi Lauren Spring is coming - a few storks have already arrived in my village a week ago. 33 pairs here with 3,000 inhabitants . Der Frühling kommt - ein paar Störche sind schon vor einer Woche in meinem Dorf angekommen. 33 Paare hier bei 3.000 Einwohner .

[@LaureninGermany]

@@arnodobler1096 oh wow!!! Wie fantastisch!!! Ich habe heute meine erste Nistkästenkamera aufgebaut, sogar einen neuen Kanal für Vögel & Natur gemacht, da ich es so sehr liebe. Es gibt ein Doku über die Migration der Gänse. Das hat mich so inspiriert. Kennst Du es?

[@arnodobler1096]

@@LaureninGermany Nein leider. Das wird die AfD schocken!😂😂 Ich saß mal, wieder träumend am Bodensee, da kamen so ein Geschwader, so 60-70, Wildgänse an. Bin ich erst erschrocken, denn es sah aus wie im Kriegsfilm und das Geräusch!!😱😂 Faszinierend

[@arnodobler1096]

@@LaureninGermany Viele Wasservögel haben ihr Winterquartier hier. Das Max-Plack-Institut für Ornithologie hat ihren Sitz hier. Denen ist es gelungen sogar Schmetterlinge mit Sendern auszustatten.

[@trueamnisias]

You've really understood and encorporated the concept of Gemuetlichkeit well, there is no point in fighting the seasons. There is nothing as comforting as coiming in from the cold into a room with a fire going, getting out of your winter gear into comfy clothes andsit down i with a hot chocolat or punch or having a nice bubble bath with a good book and candles. These things would not feel special if it wasnt' cold outside for this long. Also, nothing compares to the first signs of spring after a long winter. We often have snowdrops, crocus and daffodils coming through the snow (make sure you plant plenty of early blooming bulbs and hellebores around the front of your house, it'll lift your mood every timer you go out or come home).

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Love your comment so much! I so agree with you how the comfort is so special because of the dark and cold outside. And the early spring bulbs are SO wonderful! We are lucky that the lady who lived here before us was a gardener and she planted a ton of spring bulbs. Last spring was a joy here at our house!

[@Jeweliedear]

Indeed. I didnt have hygge as word to describe it, but these very things...appreciating simple things, being intentional, being thankful, simple life etc. ❤ kneipp bath salts are my favorite ❤

[@robertzander9723]

Good morning ☀️🕯️🍀 Winter, the cold, dark season, is also the time when everything calms down a bit more, the world slows down a bit and you think more about the important things, spending cozy hours with your family. Such a beautiful winter landscape, especially in rural regions, with forest, meadows, mountains and small villages with candles in the windows, fragrant bakeries and cute little markets. Every season has its needs and we just have to be able to make the best of it.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

That's right, Robert. It's all in our attitude and how we chose to make the best of each season.

[@chrissiesbuchcocktail]

What a wonderful video. I think it's one of the best you ever made. I always loved fall and winter very much and to see how you approached experiencing German winter and adapted to it in this beatiuful and wise way makes my heart melt.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you so much! 💕

[@kgspollux6998]

Wunderschön stimmungsvoll gemacht. Wir freuen uns jetzt schon auf ähnliche Videos von dir für den Frühling, den Sommer und den Herbst. Bleibt alle gesund und munter . . . 😉

[@petereggers7603]

Love that winter wonderland. Here in the rhineland (especially the "cologne bay") heavy winter / snow hardly happen. So at this time first signs of spring come up already.

[@volldillo]

When I, steming from Alpine Austria, first visited Bonn - it was in February - I took my winter boots with me. Gosh, was I overdressed there in these mild spring temperatures! 😀 People were looking at me and my thick fur-lined boots as if I was crazy. At this time, I didn't know, that in summer, temperature isotherms are rather horizontal (as I expected), but in winter, temperature isotherms are a little bit more vertical. Whereas in summer, the main criterium is subtropical vs. artic climate, in winter, the main criterium is mild maritime vs. strong continental climate.

[@Machtmirdochegal]

I grew up between the north and a mountain region and I genuinely start to bloom the moment you smell fall, cold air, wind and water are a wonderful symphony to me, getting to get my coats and gloves out and totally embracing the fuzzy clothes at home, baking and eating the home made stuff with a good cup of tea is part of life. I just love the rain Chelseaboots and my fuzzy kinda embarrassing onesie for quick trips outside and my fuzzy fun slippers inside, I just embrace the cozy lounge style as long as it makes me laugh. Nice representative clothes are for outside only. We have citrusy, cinnamony candles and I love to cook with cinnamon and vanilla. Also it’s kale and stew season and kale season is just amazing.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Love it all! You’ve totally embraced the cozy season and Gemütlichkeit. 💕

[@peterros2205]

Certainly one of your best videos with a deep content of how to encounter this very special an full filling season ! I´ve enjoyed it very much. Continue like this. you´ve just got me to suscribe.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 💚

[@andreag983]

Beautiful vlog. You really know how to bring it al together and create this calm and hygge atmosphere in the vlog. Thank you for sharing

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you very much. These are the kinds of videos that I love to create.

[@AmericasGotGermans]

Such a beautiful video 😍 Made my day😊😍💐

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you! 😍❄️☃️

[@heinzbrommer251]

Sehr schönes Video. Das Anschauen hat Spaß gemacht.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Vielen dank 😍.

[@barbarafrings9231]

That was beautiful and cozy. 💗

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

So glad you enjoyed it 😍.

[@amikino100]

Thank you for this inspiring video!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

You’re welcome! 😍

[@hildegardkhelfa5358]

Right in time to watch with a good Cappuccino. Lovely and well done. You can be so proud of yourself, having found towards this attitude. Now, you understand easily, why I am so happy and content myself: you named plenty of those very important things. I always start my mornings with candle light. I found it always important to give my son a calm, cozy start into his school day or now: apprenticeship. And it is just so beautiful to come home from a cold, icy weather into a warm home, enjoy something hot to drink. How grateful we can be to have a roof over our heads and such an easy access towards warmth, cozyness and dry and warm clothes. Beautiful, cozy decorations which make you smile are so important. And yes, nature is so wise. When times are tough, I compare them with acting like a winter tree. Sometimes, it is important, to draw all your energies back and give things a halt. The winter tree has no leaves, it looks frozen, kind of given up against the forces from outside, but then, suddenly: all the sprouts, the new fresh green of leaves, even flowers and once again a rebirth, recovery, overcoming of a crisis. That picture helped me over so much in my life. Especially since I moved to my tiny, most cozy little appartment (my nest), I live every single day in this calm contentedness, candles, mostly tea, me-moments, which became more since my son grew up to this wonderful young man. And yes, exactly: beautiful tea pots, plates, etc. for everyday's joy, not to save it for somewhen later. We do not have this later, we have the now. I am so glad, you found warm and good clothes. Weather is just so unimportant, when you can wear the right things (owning a dog and being out, whatever, from storms to icerain, hail and all the normal stuff, I can tell ;-)). I also love that you keep those light bows. Originally they come from the area and time, where families of miners put them into their windows as a symbol for hope and life, for the healthy return of their family members and of course for miners, the light was a symbol of hope, life and warmth in their dark underground. So, that fits perfectly. I still have my huge lantern with a big candle at my window sill - as a light in the darkness for us and all those outside, who may look up to my window plus the bulb light-string, I left there, just decorated now with some butterflies and over the branches for Easter with painted eggs and recently sewn little owls (I am a little early this year, but: my home, my rules ;-)). So, I absolutely enjoyed your video. It is lovely to see a like minded spirit and I wish you and your family a lovely, cozy Sunday and a wonderful, happy and healthy new week. Love and hugs from not too far ;-)

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

I love your comment so much, Hildegard! I love that you start your morning with candlelight, too, how beautiful! And everything you describe about the winter trees and how everything slows down is so wise.

[@hildegardkhelfa5358]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Thank you :-) What I tried to give further to my son and what I learned to live is: the more tough it may come from outside, the nicer you make it for yourself and those you love. We often just can't influence all the madness or have to deal with all kind of issues and the usual life's ups and downs, but - like: learning to deal with long winters and all kind of weather - it is all about attitude. We can well influence to do ourselves something good with all awareness. That gives so much counterweight, inner peace and new energy, also helps to stay balanced or to find back to balance, joy and independent-from-outside happiness. I think, it is you, who is wise, since I had to become much older to come to this point - but: better late then never ;-) Will be 54 this summer and I just love, getting older. It is wonderful. And now, I shut up ;-))) Oh no, not yet, something to add: if people have a negative attitude, you can tell them all the wisdom of the world, they will oppose it, will tell you all kind of reasons, why "Hygge" won't work for them, why you are fortunate, so that is the reason... Attitude thing. It is painful to accept that the changes have to be like working on the own personality. How uncomfortable, while it is so much easier to complain ;-))) (illusion) Don't waste your valuable lifetime, trying to explain yourself. Just breath the negativity away and enjoy your home and your attitude.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

@@hildegardkhelfa5358 I would love to sit down with you in person and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee! You are inspiring and have such wisdom and a good attitude about choosing to enjoy the positive things in life.

[@hildegardkhelfa5358]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife We can do this :-) I wrote you an email.

[@michellekrueger-brown1148]

How beautiful this is!!! 🥰 you’re video brought tears to my eyes! Thank you !

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Awe I love that, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 😍

[@kermitfrosch6559]

You live in the Siegsdorf-Ruhpolding region in a very beautiful area. The winter has snow there, but not the masses that are several meters high, such as in many Alpine valleys. But let's look forward to the approaching spring. This is the best time. Then when everything is in bloom, the cows come out again and the days are getting sunnier and longer. When you can go hiking in the mountains again (e.g. on the Hochgern in front of your "doorstep").

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah the springs here are also beautiful! I love all of the seasons.

[@carolakieras7641]

Wunderful Words, thank you

[@jpdj2715]

Northern latitude: Munich (München) is farther North at 48.14 than Quebec City (46.8) and Seattle (47.6). Chicago is at a similar latitude as Rome (Roma, IT) of 41.9. Living in the London, Amsterdam, Berlin band around 52N, near the sea, to me climate is more moderate and white winters are rare - here we (I) would love those quality white winters cold enough to keep powdery crispy snow, but if snow falls, it gets soggy and transport problems dominate.

[@Anson_AKB]

confirmed in Berlin :-) :-( but i still remember having at least a few weeks each year of this wonderful snow, when i was a child decades ago :-) nowadays it's only cold (slightly above freezing), very wet and very windy/stormy :-(

[@lamb555v]

Awesome! Excellent video, your best so far. Thank you :)

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you very much! 💕 It’s one of my favorites, I had so much fun making it.

[@ronpellegrino5019]

Very nicely explained. Thanks Sarah… I would also recommend you to go to the sauna in the wintertimes… very relaxing.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes! That’s true! Germany has awesome saunas and wellness centers to visit in the wintertime.

[@pinkhope84]

I really enjoyed your video, very special atmosphere ♥️ brought my tears. Since i feel depressed at the moment.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

I’m so glad it could bring you some comfort. ❤️🥰

[@gilliantracy7991]

Beautiful video! And a great lesson to make the best of every day. I'm setting intentions right now...

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Love it 😍

[@chocoholly12345]

I love this video! I like to do the same things! We’ve lived in Germany for over 6 years, from Alabama, but we’ve had no snow at all this year in central DE- so sad! I wish we lived closer to y’all!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Ah so cool you’re also from the south like me! Yeah Hygge is good for rainy winters, too. Denmark hardly has any snow as well, yet they practice Hygge to help them enjoy the rain and cold more. I think it’s very wise.

[@chocoholly12345]

I agree. Love to appreciate the little comforts all winter. It’s harder for me to appreciate the summer heat. 😄

[@MillefleursDE]

What a beautiful, even magical video… I entirely share your philosophy and I always enjoy the calm winter moments inside or outside which enable you to get much more in touch with yourself than in the summer… and your pictures show the true beauty mother nature offers us every single day… and now I am going to have a cup of tea…

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Oh I hope you enjoyed that cup of tea! So glad you enjoyed the video, thank you.

[@supernova19805]

Consider yourself lucky, to live in such a beautiful part of Germany. Embrace it and enjoy the sound of crunching snow under your boots, and the beauty your snow covered landscape gives you, as a feast for your eyes. The Scandinavians have Hygge, the Germans have Gemuetlichkeit. Where I live, spring has sprung, my azaleas are blooming outside and I know, we have a long, hot summer ahead of us. I'm trying to embrace it more too, because I used to "hibernate" inside during the long, hot summers. I'm trying to create a tropical back yard and do plantings, that are native to Florida. There is so much to choose from, I had no idea.

Hygga is this feeling of Sunday late in the evening, when the kids are asleep and the house is quiet and calm, and i can enjoy a video from one of my favorite channels on KZbin - yours 💝💝💝

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

I love it, yes! 💕

[@mhmannn]

One of your best! You're channelling the deep truths of old northern Europe. Plus, you are in of the best places to be during the winter. A wonderland of magical nature. Good choice to come to southern Bavaria and give yourself over to the magic of the location. And when spring finally comes, it will all be the more glorious!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Oh yes, spring is so exciting here, after seeing everything buried under snow. I love how the German countryside springs to life after winter!

[@balancesheet8742]

Warm cozy wonderful vidio ;)

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you!

[@HaNa-pu3bu]

Danke für das wundervolle Video, in Norddeutschland hatten wir diesen Winter leider noch keinen Schnee.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Ja es gibt kein Schnee da. So it’s even more important to practice Hygge/Gemütlichkeit there. Same as in Denmark - they have very little snow.

[@silvialittlewolf]

Love this video! Good insights too.

[@danahfaren74]

Making your home a place of warm, cozy feelings and finding little highlights in every day is important in winter, but also the rest of the year. Taking care of ourselves in these hectic times is more important than anything. What a lovely video - made me feel all cozy inside!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

I so agree - we all need moments and rituals of calm in this very busy, hectic world. And thank you!

[@jensschroder8214]

February has always been called the winter month. I like white February better than gray November. The days are also getting longer again.

[@PalmyraSchwarz]

I like your attitude towards the German winter.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you!

[@basildavidson4597]

Wonderful video! Your face at 7:40 expresses your understanding of the season. I admire your understanding but it is your response in decoration, candles and effort to adjust how you live that I admire. Thank you for sharing.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you so much! 😍

[@HawkPats]

One, if not THE best video about this topic I have ever seen. Thank you sooo much. I love your family and wish you only the best for the rest of your lifes. Greetings from the North Sea 🤘😎

[@Mamaki1987]

You are really getting Germanized/scandinavianized 😀 Yes, exept for the baking and the oil, I do the same and it makes a big difference. Oh and of course watching, how the days are getting longer again and enjoying that.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

It is very nice to see more sunshine each day! The days are only really short for 2-3 months, and then they get really long again.

[@Mamaki1987]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Yes, I don't like the dark, but I have to admit, watching the days getting longer is awesome. And having light till about 10 pm or so

[@hape3862]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Yes, that's the benefit of living on a higher latitude: looong days in summer.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

@@hape3862 Yes so true! German summers are so light! Really cool.

[@ralfklonowski3740]

This video feels like long winter walk. You did a wonderful job! I totally dig the shot at 9:01. Judging by the look in your eyes I get the feeling that facing you in a snowballfight might be tough! My wife and I spent many vacations in Denmark so Hygge has been a big thing in our house for quite some time. Our part of Germany (Ruhr district) sadly does not get much snow, but you have to take the weather as it is and embrace it. Thanks a lot for a very relaxing video!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

So glad you enjoyed it, Ralf! And so cool that you and your wife learned Hygge in Denmark and still practice it.

[@arnodobler1096]

Wonderful Video 😍😍 You have chosen the right area for winter. I miss the winters of my childhood: snowball fights, building igloos, sledding, skating on the lake or in the harbor, peeing in the snow 😂 Ihr habt euch für Winter die richtige Gegend ausgesucht. Ich vermisse die Winter meiner Kindheit: Schneeballschlacht, Iglu bauen, Schlitten fahren, auf dem See oder im Hafen Schlittschuhfahren, in Schnee pinkeln ...

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Schnee pinkeln 😆, too funny, Arno!

[@arnodobler1096]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife 😂

[@arnodobler1096]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife yes we are taught early not to eat yellow snow ja uns wird früh beigebracht keinen gelben Schnee zu essen

[@BlissLovePeace]

Beautifully edited and presented! Thank You! Very inspiring!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you! 💕

[@martinjunghofer3391]

Toll! Was Du beschreibst ist Gemütlichkeit in seiner eigentlichen Bedeutung, fern von dem Kitsch, der manchmal hineininterpretiert wird!

[@KirstenJoerg]

Really enjoyed this video! You live in one of the most beautiful areas in Germany and I think snow makes it look so romantic.x

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thanks Kirsten! Yeah it’s so pretty down here. I can’t stop filming when I’m outside!

[@silmuffin86]

We just spent our winter break in Lapland in a winter wonderland, so cold and yet so pretty! Unfortunately we didn't have any northern lights, but we had so much fun, and if you can spend time outdoor in those temperatures there is no excuse for anyone 🙈

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Oh wow! I’d love to visit Lapland. It looks like it would be so much fun!

[@silmuffin86]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife it was so amazing and the kids had a blast! It has been on my bucket list since we moved to Germany, but then we had a baby shortly after, and covid happened. I had to go while we are still in Europe, it is an expensive trip, a flight from the US would make it unaffordable for us

[@juricarmichael2534]

Schönes Video. Anderes Format. Like it, too.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Dankeschön!

[@chkoha6462]

Wonderful once again, we had close to no snow here in our region this year...or the years before that.But that's the change in the climate, the once green hills of the Taunus range are now barren and treeless on wide stretches.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

I hate that climate change is melting glaciers and making less snow! :(

[@mathieumaticien]

I'm a Chicagoan and don't drive, so I LOVE winter and the snow. The snow absorbs sound waves and makes the trot outside so quiet and calm, and as long as I'm layered up it's cozy and warm. Your German home and the fluffy snow outside looks like a winter wonderland!!!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

You get tons of snow in Chicago so it’s wonderful to hear that you enjoy it, too! Yes it is so peaceful how it absorbs sounds.

[@mathieumaticien]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife I honestly think the only reason people hate winter/the snow is because most Americans drive. Before I gave away my car, I used to dread winters too...

[@napoleon1235438743]

what a beautiful video you created. you could name it "WINTERWUNDERLAND"

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you! That would be a good title!

[@plutoniumlollie9574]

This is one of my favorite videos. I just had to rewatch it, and it is so well executed and soothing, that at the end I was ready to get a delicious cup of hot chocolate and cuddle myself up with a cozy blanket and a book. Then I remembered, that we are right in the middle of summer now. Bummer.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Awe I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Maybe you can watch it again in the winter to get you back in the cozy mood.

[@yvonnesokoll8790]

I really liked your hygge Video ...especially the calm and relaxed atmosphere that you created here.....thank you ....

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you! 💕❄️

[@MoDKoP]

Skiing is way better than walks in the snow! ^^

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Ooo I like both, but I hear ya!

[@MoDKoP]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife But you may have just 3 month for skiing and 9 for walking.

[@magnoliarose3352]

Hallo from Münsterland 😊 nice Video and content with your soft voice.😀

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you very much! 💕

[@norbertderiro9458]

it looks like you're ready for the last level of cosiness - the nude german sauna by the way, a beautiful video👍😄

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

😆😆😜 yes! Haha we have actually been in one - last summer. It’s in our Galtür video.

[@helgaherbstreit5102]

I would not change a winter's day with sparkling snow for a summer's week. There is peace and unique warmth in a snow covered landscape that you can only feel with your heart. Thank you very much for sharing the beautiful pictures of your life and your thoughts. Every video you share makes me want to come back home to Bavaria. I think that Gemütlichkeit is the Bavarian version of the Danish Hygge.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

I love your comment, yes, the sparkling snow is a thing of beauty! Such magic!

[@mesj3798]

Coming from a hot and humid country and now living in Scandinavia for the last 27 years, one of the things that I like the most are the 4 seasons. Each have their own beauty. I don't really get tired og them, I appreciate each and everyone of them. Hygge makes winter more special, I learned to love lighting candles and the fireplace makes it more "hyggeligt".

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

I love this! Yes, I so agree with you. I love the four seasons. Four times a year everything changes - it keeps thing interesting and fun for me!

[@kerstinellerhorst4089]

Such a beautiful video. Thank you so much🙏🏻. For me it’s much easier to enjoy the Winter than the summer. Maybe you can create a similar video to find beauty in the hot summer months 🤷🏻‍♀️😅❣️

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes, I do plan to do a video about summer. I did one about spring last year and fall, also.

[@aufmischa]

Sehr schönes Video. Wunderschöne Musik, tolle Bilder. Mir gefällt das Tee Set übrigens auch sehr

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Vielen dank! 💕

I love winter, because everything is so zen. So fro-zen.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Hahaha yes! Fro-zen

[@dortheklaus8758]

Such a lovely Home!!! So nice and cosy. Ich bewundere dich für dein Mindset, wie du dich auf eine unangenehme Situation eingelassen hast! Sehr inspirierend, danke😍

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Vielen dank!

[@Opa_Andre]

Hi Sarah, I love the mood you convey with the video. Winter is definitely the time of coziness. After a heavy snowfall during the night I love to light some logs in the stove in the morning. Then after shoveling the snow outside, I love to sit / rest in front of the stove to warm up - until it gets too hot for me. This is a very special warmth and cannot be compared with a floor or wall heating. Btw. after celebrating your first anniversary here in Germany, maybe it's time for a recap video. When you were still living in the U.S., what were your personal thoughts, wishes and goals for making the decision of moving to Germany? What were your expectations? Now that you've lived here for a year - which of your expectations have been met, even exceeded, or perhaps not met at all? Or even things you didn't think about beforehand. In the past year we could observe what you love, like the nature, the castles, the old cities.... as well as the sometimes hard challenges, like with the residence permit or finding a place in the german Gymnasium / high school for your son. But nothing compared to what you thought about before your actual move. I'm sure you still have memories of what led you to the decision, or even a checklist of pros and cons.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

I so agree, Opa Andre, nothing compares to the sound and feeling of a real crackling fire. 🔥 And those are great ideas for videos, thanks for sharing!

[@RustyDust101]

What an absolutely heart-warming, gemütliches Video. Such gorgeous winter scenes, definitely ASMR worthy. Even the somewhat dreary winter skies are lit up when you show the snow falling. Thank you for those insights. They are much appreciated here in the wet, soggy, cold, but ultimately rainy north of Germany. While snow has it's own share of chores associated with it, it does help reflect the little light there is and somehow makes the days brighter than the grey, damp, rain-slick tarmac of larger cities. That fireplace has an absolutely amazing draft-pull in it. I could hear from the sound the flames made that there is a LOT of air pulled through the grate (presuming that you did not add more 'fire-sounds' to the video while editing). I associate that pull of air in a fireplace with Gemütlichkeit, the even more encompassing German term that can be translated as cozyness in English. But Gemütlichkeit goes so much further than just being cozy. It is coming in from a freezing afternoon walk through thick layers of snow, your cheeks and tip of your nose red and tingling. Shedding your thick outer layers of coats inside the door, slip on your thick, soft house slippers, and shuffle into your living room. To find that snug warmth of a crackling fire, the safety associated with home while a storm groans around the eaves of your house, snow flakes whipping past the outside of your windows, barely visible through the slit in the drawn, thick, soft curtains. While you huddle up on a comfy sofa in your favorite 'Kuscheldecke', with a cup of tea just in reach, possibly some of your favorite cookies besides it, and a good book to read. Then your significant other or your kids slides next to you to offer a hug and a cuddle. THAT'S the feeling of Gemütlichkeit for me.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Love everything you wrote! You really have embraced Gemütlichkeit.

[@wallerwolf6930]

Hello, my dears! I envy you being able to experience winters like this! I live in a part of Germany where winter hardly takes hold anymore, snow is scarce, but it is wet and cold, so bad weather. A real winter landscape is the most refreshing (most beautiful) thing there can be in winter and a must to go out whenever you have the time.

[@magicalomaha2804]

What a beautiful video!! I love winter for its coziness too, like a hug!!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you! Yes, like a hug 🤗☃️!

[@marlajacques6947]

That was absolutely beautiful! Thank you, I agree with all of it. Didn’t realize how much I loved it until I moved to a hot place

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

So glad you enjoyed it, Marla. 😍 And yeah, sometimes we don’t appreciate what we’re used to until we move away, so true!

[@ron.ann5462]

Ein knackig kälter Wintertag mit Sonne und glitzerndem Schnee, einem schönen roten Sonnenuntergang um 4 pm, ein Spaziergang und anschliessend ein gutes Abendessen ist mein perfekter Tag.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Ooo love it! Ja das ist ein perfekter Tag.

[@spessartknorz]

How I love the sound of snow under the boots!!!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

That seems to be a popular sound! ☃️❄️

[@r_7855]

Really enjoyed this video format, you did a great job! :) Happy to see you found ways to make the dark season season cozy and special. I love winter (which, where I live, basically just means colder rain) because I celebrate it in very similar ways: wintery teas from my favorite cups, baths with some lovely Kneipp products I always treat myself to in late autumn, candles, and my beloved woolen clothes. Thanks for the reminder to take things slow and not get swept away by the business of work.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Love it! You are really practicing Hygge, also. I do love the Kneipp products, too. They smell so wonderful! And I love how one can chose to enjoy the winter with or without snow. The point is to practice Hygge no matter the weather.

[@frisco1968]

Such a wonderful video! Thanks for sharing! I'm not really a big fan of winter. Advent and Christmas with snow is wonderful. But January and February are often too long and dark. But you are so right about your tips. You have to make yourself comfortable. I really like everything about this video! 🥰

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah it can be harder in Jan and Feb, but Hygge makes it better, I have found. So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@mariannewesten3638]

Thank you for this cozy video.this time is coming now.And I Love to make it a cozy time at home.lovely greetings

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes that’s true - it’s getting colder and colder. Time to get cozy!

[@somethingsmatter]

This was a beautiful video with a great message. Accepting that what we cannot change and the need for a seadon of rest resonated with me profoundly. Im currently dealing with long covid symptoms and have had a really difficult time with allowing myself to rest and accepting my current limitations. But you’re right. It’s winter outside and inside but it b be weds to be accepted.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes we are so much happier when we can accept things we can’t changes. But I’m so sorry to hear you’re dealing with long COVID symptoms, those are tough. The fatigue, breathing problems. I hope you heal quickly. 💕

[@spiegelbild1799]

Danke für das wunderschöne Video!!!!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Vielen dank! :)

[@beatrixpastoors1104]

Großartig! Ein wunderbares Video! Sara, deine Filme werden immer besser! Mir gefällt deine positive Einstellung! Und dieses Hugge- Konzept. Ich lebe danach, aber ich kannte es bis heute nicht. Aber ich mache es genauso. Zum Glück lebt ihr in einem Winterwunderland. Wo ich wohne, gibt es wenig Schnee, dafür viel Regen und Sturm. Genieße die Zeit, bis die ersten Schneeglöckchen und Krokusse kommen! Hier blühen sie schon.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Vielen dank, Beatrix! 💕

[@aaronhobbins3893]

Great video, Sara! Very inspiring

[@Cashdummy]

very beautiful video. I never thought about seasons in a way that we are kind of in a relationship with them, but it makes sense. Glad you made peace with winter. I really like winter, and the the cold (if it's not too cold) and prefer it over the summer, as it's better for muse and working (unless you have to commute). I also like spring and autumn. I am not a big fan of high summer as I don't like the heat that much. And the sweating, and two showers a day and all that^^

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Same here! I love fall, spring and winter but am not a huge fan of summer. Though I like German summers much better than Georgia summers - they are waaay too hot!

[@Winona493]

It is 34°C (93,2 °F) here in Northrhinewestphalia/Germany now and I am about to go swimming in a "Freibad" (lido?) now, BUT you just made me long for the winter!!!! You did this video sooooo well, that everybody will look forward to the winter time! 😊 Thank you, you reduced my fear, my malaise, I've learned a lot.

[@selinamittermeier5336]

Great Video Love your positive vibe and General approach to Life

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you!

[@danielhealy7225]

Ok, I enjoy all of your content but this one is NEXT LEVEL! The intro sounds like a segment on This American Life or a piece for The New Yorker.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Oh wow, thanks so much, Daniel! ❤️

[@petersueholzberger9080]

I have just been watching your podcast on (to love winter) It was inspiring, although I live in Australia 🇦🇺 Your outlook on life seems to ? Been inhansed & your life slowed so you are all enjoying your lives more . My late wife & I always wanted to return to Europe we loved visiting

[@alexanderdeschner8609]

Hi Sara, very inspiring video! Hyggeln (the verb) also means that nice settings, as you created, should be shared with good friends you would invite or get invited to🤩

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Oh very nice! Love that.

[@olafwohltjen3087]

Also, ich lebe in Niedersachsen an der Nordseeküste / Bremerhaven. Die Winter hier sind meistens von einigen Plusgraden und viel Wind und Regen geprägt.. Nix mit Winter Wonderland 🤪😂😂.. Immer ne kalte Brise Luft um die Nase . Aber auch daran gewöhnt man sich mit den Jahreszehnten 😂😂

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah I know there isn’t snow all over Germany. But that’s an even better reason to practice Hygge and Gemütlichkeit!! It’s perfect for cold, rainy and grey days. They don’t get much snow in Denmark either, and that’s where Hygge is widely practiced.

[@LucaSitan]

I've always preferred winter to summer. You can always put more clothes on if cold but there are only so many clothes you can take off when its hot...And being sweaty, allergies, the car feeling like a sauna...The only downside in the winter now: the rising heating costs. Your house is really beautiful!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

I think I also like the cold more! It seems like more people like summer better but I really do love getting to wear sweaters, and have fires, and breathe in the cold air.

[@UliFandoms]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Same here 🙋🏻‍♀️ My body just don't like the super hot (and moist) summer days - so I appreciate a colder weather anyday. Let all the other peeps love the hot summer..

[@delanotravis]

Great video, I moved from GA to CO and have struggled with the winter. This video definitely helped though. Thanks!

[@MrDWberg]

Nicht jeder kann die Winterzeit genießen! Wer es kann, kann genug Kraft für das Jahr tanken. Ein sehr schönes Video, zeigt es doch wunderbar wie es gemacht werden sollte. Wenn Deutschland Euch dabei helfen konnte, umso schöner! Gerade der Blick von „außen“ macht es so interessant für uns. Viel Spaß noch bei den kommenden Jahreszeiten und bitte so weitermachen 😉.