Okay, so I recently bought a new oboe, and it came with a humidifier. The weather has certainly gotten colder, so I think it would be a good idea to start using it. The main question I have is: how do you use a humidifier?

It depends which type you have. But basically you want to 'charge' it with distilled water. The moisture will then evaporate from the humidifier into the air in the case and the wood of your Oboe.

If it is a sponge type squeeze it and then let it soak up the distilled water. Then sqqueeze it gently to get the excess water out of it so it doesn't puddle in your case. If it is the type that is like florists foam, put it in a bowl of distilled water and let it soak it up. Shake it a bit to get rid of the excess water. You want it moist, not soaked.

It's a dampit I believe. Do they work the same way?

Yep. get it wet in some distilled water. squeeze or spin it out the extra moisture so it doens't puddle and put it in your case. Some Oboe players put one inside each section of the oboe. But you could leave it in the case or alternate it between two sections if you olny have one dampit.

Thank you.