Hygge―pronounced Hoo-ga―is a Danish word that evokes the idea of enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and there’s no better time of year to be reminded of the joy of simplicity than the hectic winter holiday season.

Hygge is the feeling of snuggling on the sofa with a warm blanket or sharing a comforting meal with your favorite people. It is an atmosphere that is welcoming, safe, and comfortable. Hygge makes you feel at home.

According to New York Times Best Seller, The Little Book of Hygge, the Danes are the happiest people in the world. Perhaps it is because Hygge is the cornerstone of Danish life, making it possible to embrace and celebrate the beauty of simple, everyday moments.

Although Hygge is Danish, it originates from the Norwegian word for hug, which I think is just perfect. Hygge = Hug! Keep that in mind as we explore the many ways to bring Hygge style into your home using some of The Little Book of Hygge‘s top tenants:

• Get comfy. Take a break.
• Be here now. Turn off the phones.
• Turn down the lights. Bring out the candles.
• Build relationships. Spend time with your tribe.
• Give yourself a break from the demands of healthy living. Cake is most definitely Hygge.
• Live life today, like there is no coffee tomorrow.

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Get Comfy

The first step in enjoying the Hygge lifestyle is just as easy as it sounds. There are no memberships to buy, no books to read, and no plans to follow. You just do whatever makes you feel comfortable. That might mean lighting a fire or wrapping yourself in a fluffy throw. Using items that have a very tactile finish help add to the cozy feeling. Knotted, chunky blankets and faux-fur pillows automatically take the “…ahhhh,” factor up a notch.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget about your walls! The Sedona woven wall hanging (below) adds a layer of warmth to an otherwise cold wall.

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Be Here Now

My favorite aspect of Hygge is that the word can be a noun, a verb, or an adjective. All that is required is to be in the moment.

For instance, warm and cozy socks are called “hyggensokker.” Your favorite pair of old sweatpants? “Hyggebusker.” You can also spread comfort and good cheer by being a “hyggespreder.” If you’re planning a lazy family day in bed, you can call it, “familiehygge.” Hygge is a beautiful concept, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable, you’re Hygge.

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Bring Out The Candles

According to The Little Book of Hygge, the object that Danes associate most with Hygge is candles. Flickering candles are found in homes, businesses, and even schools, year-round. This makes sense, as lighting is used to make spaces feel warm and relaxing. Candlelight, specifically, is not too bright and brings a feeling of comfort.

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Spend Time With Your Tribe

The winter holidays are focused on gathering with friends and family, but you don’t have to wait for Christmas to create a welcoming, intimate gathering with the ones you love. The dinner table is the perfect place to bring everyone together for comforting food and conversation, or a family game night.

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Live Life Today — And Have Some Cake

From the Danish perspective, Hygge is about taking time to enjoy the process of making and eating food — specifically, pastries, sweets, and lots and lots of cake, or “hyggeligt.” In fact, the average Dane consumes 8 pounds of baked goods per person annually, which is double the European average. There is even a meal tradition called sønderjysk kaffebord, which is a multi-course meal of various types of cake, served with coffee — naturally.

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In my next post, we will discuss the Sherwin Williams 2022 Color Mix Forecast, and how you can use these fresh, popular colors to update your home or office.

Until then,

Laura

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