If you haven’t heard the term already, you’re bound to see it show up somewhere soon. It’s the Danish word, hygge. You pronounce it hoo-guh. Of course.
But more importantly, as a Dane, you live it. Most Danes say that hygge is hard to translate into English but essentially it means creating a welcoming atmosphere to hang out with your friends and family.
From everything I have read, it is deeper than just doing a Martha-esque candle installation on your coffee table. It is bigger than golden light, good snacks and friends. Yes, hygge is the art of coziness but more than that it is a feeling; an appreciation and gratitude of the warm moment. And, if creating a wonderful atmosphere helps us to get there…well, bring it on.
Hygge is also described as drama-free encounters. It is understanding that friendship and being together is sacred time and should be treated that way. It is getting together with respect and relaxation and a deep gratitude for friends and family. It is treating this winter season as a time for doing comforting things for ourselves and others.
We have been adding to hygge atmosphere in our little cottage (admittedly, Kevin has only recently been informed of the name for what we’re doing…he thought he was just putting up Christmas lights).
Candles, lights, sparkly dishes filled with chocolates, nuts and oranges. It all sounds Christmasy but the idea of hygge is a concept beyond the Christmas season.
It has been raining and dark here for the last month and the rainforest winter will continue to be dark for many days to come. But our little cottage beckons with piles of books, blankets and tea. I hear Kevin practising his guitar in the living room while I type in this little back studio room. The clock ticks behind me. The incense burns in front of me.
Soon we will cook dinner together and then, after we’ve finished, we’ll settle into our sofa to watch another episode of Last Tango in Halifax. I will tuck the soft throw around me. The Christmas tree will glow and shimmer. I’m sure chocolate will be involved…
Our home feels hygge. I hope yours does too.
This is a beautiful concept, we sure need to adopt it here in the states right now!
Your hygge home sounds so cozy and comforting.
Becca, I wish we could blanket the world in hygge right now. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Wishing you and yours a cozy Christmas and hopes that somehow things will calm down in those excited states…may peace and all things cozy prevail.
Hygge sounds a bit like hugging – feeling warm and comforted and you could have this feeling in your home with friends and family. The Scandinavians are very good at creating an atmosphere of lights, and cosiness with their little candles all over the house.
As Christmas is nearing, many people will put their decorations, making us cheerful in the darkest month of the year.
Catherine. I love that you’ve equated hygge with hugging. That’s perfect! I love the idea of the all-embracing warmth of that comparison.
I am going to try to remember to think of hugging when I meet anyone in my day. Even if we don’t actually hug (the cashier might be a little shocked), I think if we embody that feeling, we can spread a virtual hug to everyone that crosses our path. And as we know we need at least three hugs every day. Thanks for this play on words. It’s very cool.
Looks absolutely beautiful and so warm and inviting!
Diane, the key ingredient is the wonderful Christmas tree that we got from your tree farm!