I have finally found the term that encompasses how I want to live, especially during the Christmas season… Hygge. Do you want the feeling of contentment, warmth, and quiet comfort? If so, then you want to experience hygge, too.
Hygge, pronounced Hoo-gah, is a Scandinavian concept. The notion of Hygge is most commonly thought to relate to a Danish word that means “to give courage, comfort, and joy”. It is also derived from a Norwegian word that translates as “hug”. Hygge isn’t a word with a solitary meaning. It’s a concept, a way of living. Hygge is all about coziness and surrounding yourself with the things that make you feel content. It is the feeling of cozy contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life.
Hygge can mean something different to everyone. What do you consider a simple comfort? Hunkering down with a soft blanket and a good book can be considered hygge. Enjoying a good meal with friends and family can be considered hygge. Enjoying a crisp, clear day in nature can be considered hygge. It is more important what hygge feels like than what it looks like.
I embrace the idea of hygge the most during the Christmas season. It’s a great way to take away some of the stress and boost your happiness. The friends and family, the food, the simple traditions, the decorations, the candles, and the fairy lights all blend into a wonderful feeling of coziness. Come along as we explore some ways to embrace hygge this Christmas season.
Be Present
Spending time with the ones we love is a perfect happiness booster. Be present and enjoy the moment. Put down the electronics and make memories. Give others your undivided attention. Your loved ones want time with you. Curl up with a soft blanket and watch a Christmas movie with your family. Make some Christmas ornaments or simple crafts.
Food
Christmas is all about comfort food. Eating and drinking are an integral part of hygge. It’s about hot drinks, baked goods, and homemade dishes. Drink and be merry. Bake some cookies. It’s not about grand meals, but making the most of what you have. Slow down and indulge in the delicious food.
Traditions
Create memories with those you love. Be intentional with your time and commitments. Remember the past and celebrate. Create new family traditions that focus on simple pleasures that bring you joy.
“When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things – not the great occasions – give off the greatest glow of happiness.”
Bob Hope
Decorations
When decorating, think simply and create intimacy. Surround yourself with soft textures and earthy colors. Use shades of white, cream, sand, and grey with complementary colors of red, green, and blue. The hygge way is to bring in nature. Decorate with foliage, greenery, berries, holly, pinecones, and wreaths. Put candles and fairy lights everywhere. Everywhere. Don’t limit yourself to your Christmas tree. Put lights in a bookcase or around a window. The soft, warm light provides the perfect hygge atmosphere.
Practice Gratitude
Be kind to others, and yourself. Let go of ideas of perfectionism. Be grateful for what you have. Don’t get caught up in over-consumption and over-buying. Embrace contentment, not commercialism. Enjoy experiences, not things.
Candles. Soft blankets. Hot drinks. Comfort food. Fires. Fuzzy socks. Family and friends. A good book.
Add a little hygge to your life and make this the coziest Christmas you’ve ever experienced.
“There is no amount of money that you can spend that will increase the hygge-factor – at least not if you are buying anything more expensive than a candle.”
Meik Wiking, The Little Book of Hygge
Here are links to a couple of our family’s favorite comfort foods: Jane’s Cheese Ball and Pimento Cheese. And, for a fun family craft, and treat to share, check out our post on Little Debbie Christmas Party Favors.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are my own. I was not compensated for my opinions.
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