It’s winter in Minnesota! The days are short, the cold has settled in and does anyone really remember what grass looks like? Instead of wallowing in the cold weather and short days, let’s embrace it! Dust off your Scandinavian roots and get through these winter months with a little hygge. If you don’t have any Scandinavian ancestry, I’m sure there’s a friend who will let you borrow some—or just try this out anyway!
Originating in Norway, and quickly adopted in Denmark, hygge (pronounced hueguh, not hoogah) is a Danish word defined most closely as “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or wellbeing.” There is no direct English translation, but “cozy” seems to be the closest fit.
So how can you hygge at home?!
Hygge can feel different to everyone, but it’s all about slowing down and creating a feeling of contentment. Hygge in your home can be having a fire, spending time in a cozy blanket, reading a book, playing a game and having a warm beverage like mulled wine, or better known in Denmark as Glogg. That is certain to have you feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside!
No fireplace? No problem! Candles are considered an essential part of hygge for any Danish home. Turn off the overhead lights, light up the candles, and pull on your coziest sweater!
Another hygge aspect is bringing the outside indoors. Consider decorating with natural items like wood or leather, and place some greenery around the room (even if it’s faux, we won’t tell!).
While you can create a feeling of hygge at home alone, hygge is really best with friends and family. Invite friends over for a casual dinner on a weeknight, even if you just pick up something on your way home from work. Perhaps the purest form of hygge is being with friends and family in a relaxed atmosphere. Hygge is not fancy; it’s comfortable, warm, togetherness.
