When the temperature drops, many of us put on heavy sweaters, light scented candles on dark evenings, and make hot drinks to sip by the fireplace. These types of cozy activities are part of what the Danish people call Hygge (pronounced HOO-gah), as described in My Hygge Home , opens a new window(also available as an eBook and on eAudio, opens a new window from hoopla streaming, opens a new window with no waiting)., opens a new window
One definition which I think captures the heart of hygge is the art of creating intimacy. Imagine a pool of light in a dark room, and use all five senses to create that type of atmosphere. For example: the scent of a candle, the feel of a soft wool blanket, the sound of calming music, the sight of a flickering flame, and the taste of a hot cup of cocoa, all of which contribute to the warmth and coziness that can dispel winter’s dark.
Cozy: The Art of Arranging Yourself in the World, opens a new window
These four things can help you to achieve this feeling of warmth in your home:
- Light: Candles, a fireplace or woodstove, or even sun streaming through a window
- Cocoon: Pillows, sweaters, wool socks, and fuzzy blankets all contribute to creating a warm nest to snuggle down into (Make your own socks with The Sock Knitter's Handbook, opens a new window)
- Community: Whether you hang out with your family or have some friends, opens a new window over, gather a few people together for conversation and hot drinks
- Food: Soups, opens a new window, stews, hearty pies, opens a new window and casseroles, hot bread,, opens a new window tea, cider, mulled wine, and hot cocoa, opens a new window
None of these necessarily requires going to the store. Mindfulness, gathering a few supplies, and extending an invitation or two are all that are required for you to experience the warmth of hygge this winter.
Making Winter: A Hygge-inspired Guide to Surviving the Winter Months, opens a new window
