Do You Even Hygge?

 

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