The Life Changing Magic of….Hygge
On the second rainy day in a row after weeks of abnormal sunshine and warmth, I’m writing this all snuggled up in my cozy chair with my wool blanket and a cup of coffee. There is a candle burning in the kitchen, and dough rising on the counter. (The basement is flooding, but let’s not think about that part.) Autumn is the time of year that us Vermonters prepare for months of grey, cold days. Crock pots full of soup and kids with rosy cheeks sipping hot cocoa punctuate the weeks we are buried in snow.
It’s no surprise that many of us find ourselves yearning for these cozy moments of comfort and simplicity. This is where the Danish concept of "hygge" comes into play. Pronounced "hoo-gah," hygge is more than just a word; it's a way of life that prioritizes the pursuit of contentment and well-being through the appreciation of life's simple pleasures. What I love most about hygge is that you don’t need to buy anything to get to experience it! Let’s dig into this concept and how we can move into fall and winter with a little more anticipation and ease.
What is Hygge?
Hygge is a Danish term that doesn't have a direct translation in English, but it encompasses the feeling of coziness, contentment, and well-being that one experiences when surrounded by the simple things in life. It's about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, fostering connections with loved ones, and taking time to savor life's small pleasures. It is believed to have originated from the Old Norse word "hugga," which means "to comfort" or "to console" and has historically been a way for the community to cope with the challenges of a harsh season by creating a sense of coziness and togetherness.
What makes Hygge?
Warmth and Comfort: Central to hygge is the idea of physical comfort. This includes soft blankets, plush cushions, and cozy sweaters. Lighting also plays a significant role, like the soft glow of candles, a flickering fire, and warm, ambient lighting.
Connection and Togetherness: Hygge places great importance on spending quality time with friends and family. Whether it's sharing a meal, playing board games, or simply having an overdue chat with a dear friend, building and nurturing relationships is a key element of hygge.
Simple Pleasures: Hygge celebrates the joy of simple pleasures, such as a warm cup of tea, freshly baked pastries, or a good book. It's about finding happiness in the little things that often go unnoticed in our fast-paced lives.
Nature and Scenery: Many of us can find hygge in nature, whether it's taking in the crunching leaves underfoot during a walk in the forest, a picnic by the lake, or breathing in the smell of a fresh rainfall. Nature provides a sure-thing when looking for moments of hygge.
Incorporating Hygge into Your Life
Create a Cozy Environment: Start by making your living space more hygge-friendly. Add soft blankets, comfortable pillows, and warm lighting to create an inviting atmosphere.
Disconnect from Technology: While technology has its place, it often distracts us from the present moment. Embrace hygge by unplugging from screens and engaging in more meaningful, face-to-face interactions. This is where the puzzles and board games come in!
Savor Simple Pleasures: Take time to enjoy life's little pleasures. Sip a hot beverage, bake a batch of cookies (even better - share some with a neighbor!), or take a leisurely stroll in the park. The key is to slow down and savor these moments.
Prioritize Relationships: Foster deeper connections with your loved ones. Host a dinner party, invite friends over for a game night, or even sit down with pen and paper and write someone a letter.
My Hygge favorites
“Closing” my kitchen: Every evening after dinner is cleaned up and the kids are getting their comfy cozies on, I light a candle on the kitchen island to signify it’s “closed”. I’m done with the work part of the day and am ready for the slower pace of bedtime routines.
2:30pm on a weekday: Pretty specific, I know. But at 2:30 pm most weekdays when my husband is home, we warm up some coffee and sit to chat before the craziness of the kids coming home. It’s not a lot of time, but I think we both look forward to that quiet time to talk about whatever is on our minds.
Sourdough bread: Bread in general, really. But sourdough adds the aspect of time. Feeding starter, mixing dough, a very slow yet beautiful rise, shaping and scoring a gorgeous boule, and the best part - taking the crackling masterpiece out of the oven. Finally, the best part - eating and sharing it with people I love.
My cozy chair: With a southerly-facing window behind me, I cuddle up with my favorite blanket, a cup of coffee, and a good book. Sometimes it’s 15 minutes in the morning, sometimes its an hour on a Saturday. It’s my hygge spot.
Why Hygge?
If I haven’t convinced you already, hygge is a beautiful reminder that happiness can be found in the everyday moments of life. We don’t need more things, we just need simple things. We don’t need Facebook, we need real-life face time with our loved ones. When decluttering and organizing the parts of our lives that feel hectic and crazy, remember the “things” that make you feel good, that nurture connections, and that allow you the time and clarity to breathe.