As winter settles in and the days grow shorter, many people feel a familiar sense of dread. The winter blues can make the colder months feel long and isolating. This year, however, a growing number of people are finding a unique source of inspiration on TikTok: creators who not only survive but thrive in some of the harshest, darkest environments on Earth.
Meet TikTok’s Arctic Ambassador of Cozy
Users are turning to influencers living in polar regions to learn how to embrace the season rather than just endure it. One of the most prominent voices in this niche is Cecilia Blomdahl, known to her followers as @sejsejlija. Blomdahl lives on Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago located high in the Arctic, close to the North Pole. For months, she experiences a “polar night,” where the sun never rises above the horizon.
Instead of portraying a bleak existence, Blomdahl’s videos offer a masterclass in creating warmth, light, and happiness. Her content, which regularly garners millions of views, showcases the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced hoo-gah)—a feeling of cozy contentment and well-being. She invites her followers into a world filled with simple, comforting routines. We see her enjoying homemade bagels, sipping tea from cozy ceramic mugs by a crackling wood stove, and lighting candles to cast a warm glow against the deep blue of the polar twilight.
Lessons from the Land of Polar Night
Her home is a sanctuary of comfort, made even more charming by the snuggles of her adorable dog, and bathed in the gentle glow of twinkle lights. These small acts of self-care and deliberate coziness transform her home into a haven, demonstrating that a lack of sunlight doesn’t have to mean a lack of joy. Blomdahl’s videos prove that with the right mindset, winter can be a time for rest, reflection, and deep comfort.
The comments sections of recent videos are filled with users sharing how watching someone thrive though the midst of polar winter has helped them deal with winter themselves. “I’ve always dreaded winter but your videos on polar night are really helping me reframe that,” says one user. “You are slowly converting me to a love of winter,” proclaims another.
The appeal is clear. Watching someone find so much beauty and peace in 24-hour darkness provides a powerful perspective shift. So much of life’s joy is about finding pleasure in the little things. This is the heart of hygge, and you don’t need to live near the North Pole to practice it.
Here are a few classic hygge tips inspired by Blomdahl and other polar creators:
Create a Cozy Atmosphere: Soft lighting is essential. Dim the overheads and use lamps, candles (safely, of course), and string lights to create warm pockets of light.
Embrace Comfort: Surround yourself with soft textures. Think plush blankets, comfortable sweaters, and warm socks. Make your living space a place you genuinely want to retreat to.
Savor Warm Drinks and Food: There’s nothing quite like a hot cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa to warm you from the inside out. Simple, comforting foods, like freshly baked bread or a hearty soup, can also lift your spirits.
Stay Present and Unplug: Hygge is about enjoying the moment. Put your phone away and pick up a book, listen to music, or simply sit and enjoy the quiet. Try to get enough sleep, winter is a natural time for your body to rest up.
Connect with Loved Ones: Share a meal, watch a movie, or just talk. Spending quality time with friends and family is a cornerstone of a hygge lifestyle.
As we head deeper into our own winters, there’s a valuable lesson to be learned from those who have mastered the art of living in the dark.
@sejsejlija Replying to @AlyRichelle Day 1 of POLAR NIGHT 🥹🫶🏻🩵 #svalbard #longyearbyen #polarnight #winteriscoming ♬ Relaxing Music – kucing tetangga
Cecilia’s videos remind us that the light we need doesn’t always have to come from the sun, and warmth can be as close as the simple decision to create our own cozy corner of the world, no matter where we are.
