With our average sunset happening at 4:30pm, we’re spending a lot of time in the dark. It’s a good time of year to work with the season to make your home as cozy as possible. Consider adding heavy drapes to your windows to reduce heat loss.

Embrace the varied light forms available – candles, twinkle lights, dimmer switches, and lamps can be great at this time of year for providing soft lighting without messing with your natural sleep cycle. If your home has a fireplace, use it when you’re close by for warmth so you stay toasty without having to heat the whole house.

If you love blankets like we do, this is your moment to pull them all out. Sofas, beds and favorite chairs should all have a throw blanket at the ready for snuggling. Up your scent game with a diffuser or your favorite non-toxic candle, especially great if you’ve forgone the real Christmas tree in favor of a reusable artificial one.

If you work from home much of the time, you may find you want to put up your seasonal décor early as a mood booster. Don’t forget to have a spot where your work materials can be put away when not in use, so you can remove the clutter while showcasing the warmth the winter season brings.