The Top Things That Make Us Feel “Cozy” in Winter

When winter arrives, some people immediately declare, “Nope,” and begin emotionally shutting down until March.

A survey found that 67% of Americans wish they could straight-up hibernate like bears. And honestly, if someone opened a clinical trial for human hibernation, the waitlist would be miles long.

But since we cannot actually snooze our way through winter, 86% say they’re at least fully committed to getting “as cozy as possible,” which basically means transforming their home into a soft, warm nest and abandoning the concept of productivity.

People were given dozens of options, and these are the top 10 ways Americans say they achieve peak coziness:

1. Curling up on the couch
2. Layers of blankets, ideally enough to threaten mobility
3. Enjoying the quiet (because winter finally silences the lawnmowers)
4. Sleeping in
5. Making fresh tea, coffee, or hot chocolate (and maybe spiking it just a bit… right, grandma?)
6. Not leaving the home under any circumstances
7. Watching cold, rainy, or snowy weather from inside like a judgmental Victorian child
8. Lighting candles
9. Putting on relaxing music
10. Spending time with family

And because “spending time with family” can range from heartwarming to “why did I come here,” the next-most popular option is the far more universal: putting on thick socks.

Once people settle into maximum snuggle mode, it takes an average of 48 minutes before they feel fully relaxed. And 76% say they sleep better if they get cozy first, which is shocking information to absolutely no one.

There is no better way to spend winter than refusing to go outside, wearing socks that feel like tiny sheep, and pretending society does not exist until further notice.