I live in Virginia and have suffered the blows of the “bomb cyclone”. As my daughter says, “15 degrees isn’t a high, it’s a low!” Surprisingly, and sadly, for my youngest child, we haven’t gotten much snow, just frigid temps and relentless wind, but in a weird twist of normal winter weather, my in-laws got six inches at the beach!
What to do when the entire east coast, including Florida, is submerged in ridiculously cold temperatures? Embrace the Danish phenomenon of hygge (HOO-gah).
Hygge means “cozy”, and it describes the Danish obsession with homey pleasures like candlelight, fire, fuzzy socks, knit sweaters, porridge, coffee, and the company of good friends. For something to be hyggelig (HOO-gah-lee), it must be calm, comforting, and warm, and it must convey a feeling of belonging. If we are going to survive the polar freeze via hygge, we need to stay home in a “hygge krog” (cozy nook), wrap up in blankets, drink something hot, (the Danes like glogg, or spiced wine), eat something yummy, and watch a good movie with our favorite people. Sounds good, right?
Some people think hygge came about as a reaction to the expensive and somewhat elitist “well being movement” that perpetuated the idea that happiness could be found in overpriced leggings and bottled juice. It could also be a coping mechanism in a country with long dark winters and 179 days of rain each year. Danes must be on to something, though, because Denmark is often listed as the happiest country in the world, even surpassing its Scandinavian neighbors Sweden and Norway, which also have small populations and abundant social programs (like subsidized child care). But they don’t have what the Danes have: hygge.
The hygge trend is spreading to other countries, including Britain and the United States. If you’re interested in learning more about hygge, check out these resources:
- An explanation of Hygge from the New York Times style section
- The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Living Well
by Louisa Thomsen Brits - How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life
by Signe Johansen
I could definitely get into hygge, especially when it’s dark by 5:30 and the temperature is described by one digit. I love candles (except the Danes use unscented, and I prefer a good Bath and Body Works three wick), and we’ve got plenty of blankets. My only concern is all that sitting and eating of comfort food could add some permanent padding to my five foot frame. I’m going to have to balance hygge time with dreadmill time.
Have you heard of hygge? How are you surviving the “bomb cyclone”?
Stay warm!
I have not heard of this! I love smells. They can be invigorating, soothing or medicinal. Sally gifted me with a candle from The Isle Co. It’s a soy lotion candle. Not only does the scent make my home happy, but after I burn it, I can dip my winter chapped hands for a warm, soothing lotion. And the best part is that I can refill the glass with a new lotion scent for a % off. Ecological and pampering! That’s very hyggelig!
What an interesting kind of candle- I’ve never heard of that before, but it definitely sounds comforting. Do you know where she got it? Thanks for sharing!
This is so great! I have started lighting a big Yankee Candle every night for the past three weeks. It sits on my bedside table and makes my room so cozy. I just need to REFRAME this bomb cyclone we are living in as a Hygge opportunity. Alas, I too must be careful of the comfort food b/c I too detest the dreadmill!
I’m a huge fan of a good smelling candle. Our bedroom is freezing for some reason- perhaps a candle in the evening would add some much needed hygge. Stay warm!
I have heard of this too. Especially this time of year in the northern hemisphere it seems to be very popular.
The ‘bomb cyclone’ proved to be a good time to put hygge into action – the woodstove glowing, and popcorn with back-to-back epsiodes of The Crown. You’re right about the extra padding though {sigh}
A wood stove sounds very “hygee”- excellent!
I’m all over this! I currently have a candle burning, a blanket on my lap, a pumpkin latte on the desk, and two sweaters on. This weather is brutal! I’m eating lots of soup too, although it’s healthy soup – like you, I don’t want the extra padding come springtime!
Btw – finished listening to The Year of Yes before Christmas, and I loved it! Thank you for the recommendation.
I’m so glad you liked it! I’m going to try to listen to more books this year… we’ll see how it goes. I’m not reading as much as I’d like.
I’ve heard of this! (maybe from you? have you blogged about it before?) LOVE this concept. I’m on board.
I’ve not blogged about it before- it came new to me via the New York Times “Smarter Living” newsletter. Glad you like it! 🙂