I was once like you; clueless of the lessons
hygge had to offer. I am here to show you a softer, warmer, cozier, friendlier, and more fulfilling way to experience life.
Two weeks ago, I had never heard of hygge. I
have a deep love for free library books (and Nintendo Switch games). I find
books I might like or that I might be interested in, pick them up from the
library, wait a few weeks and return most of them unread. However, this book
was smaller than the others and had pictures so it skyrocketed up my list.
So, what exactly is hygge? It seems like it is a main aspect of Danish culture of cozy traditions that make you slow down, rest, relax with friends and cherish the moment you are in. People in Denmark rank among some of the happiest people on the planet despite having less than optimal weather. How do they do it? Many credit hygge. What might make up a hygge experience? It seems like candles are at the top of this list. People in Denmark use by far the most candles per capita in Europe. Fireplaces are also high on the list for turning up the hygge.
Other elements that help set the mood are hot drinks, Christmas,
board games, music, books, Sundays, stormy weather, alcohol and pets. According
to The Little Book of Hygge, the hygge manifesto involves atmosphere,
presence, pleasure, equality, gratitude, harmony, comfort, truce, togetherness,
and shelter. Imagine being in a cabin, a snowstorm is raging outside, a fire it
lit, you are with some of your closest friends after an exhausting day of skiing,
having a cocktail, listening to nostalgic music, wrapped up in a blanket,
reminiscing with those you care for most. That (apparently) is hygge.
Ok, Mr. Hygge expert, what kind of food and
clothing are associated with hygge?
Think cake, coffee or hot chocolate. It’s about
indulgence and treating yourself. Pastries, baked goods, and desserts. Stew, sausages,
or Danish meatballs in curry. Doesn’t this make you want to be in Denmark in
terrible weather with your close friends all cozied up?
Comfort is king for hygge clothing. Sweaters,
sweat pants, cozy socks, big blankets, layers and scarves set the tone. This sweater is from a popular Danish show that exemplifies hygge fashion:
The author works for The Happiness Research
Institute in Copenhagen and apparently, spending time with people you love will
make you happier. According to a study, the ideal number of people it takes to
hygge is 3-4 people. You can hygge alone or with loads of people but it seems
like only a few close friends is optimal. I can get onboard with these small
gatherings. I would much rather hangout with a few close friends than be at a
bigger event with strangers. There is a staff room where all the teachers in
lunch; I wouldn’t be caught dead in there at 12:05pm. However, when I have prep
at 3pm, not a soul is around and I find that much more agreeable. Maybe I am hygge.
Want to bring hygge into your daily life but
also cheaply? The book recommends playing board games, make a fire, watch an
outdoor movie, sledding or playing together.
Some other winter activities could involve TV
nights or a ski trip. Spring activities might include a weekend cabin or
cooking over an open fire. A summer picnic or watching the Perseid Meteor shower
is oh so hygge. Fall activities are eating chestnuts, foraging for mushrooms or
a soup cookoff.
The book recommends these items for your
hygge emergency kit:
-candles
-high quality chocolate
-your favourite tea
-your favourite book
-jam
-woolen socks
-a nice blanket
-a notebook
-music
-photo album
These places are apparently very hygge:
This video sums up hygge quite succinctly:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl74ybpyNLk
Winter seems like a great time to add more
hygge into our lives. Turn on your record player. Turn off your phone. Reminisce
about the Bubble King. Now that is hygge.
“Happiness consists more in small
conveniences or pleasures that occur every day, than in great pieces of good fortune
that happen but seldom.” Benjamin Franklin
