I’ve always loved the Danish word “hygge,” but when I use it in conversation (which I do because I’m strange), I get odd looks from family and friends. We don’t have a word in American English that conveys quite the same concept as hygge, and I think we need to make it commonplace in our American vernacular.
So what is hygge, and where does the term come from?
Photo by Sergei Solo on Unsplash
What is Hygge?
According to Denmark.dk, hygge is difficult to explain, but basically is the idea of taking time “to relax and enjoy life’s quieter pleasures.” It’s the feeling of coziness- those warm and fuzzy feelings we get when we’re sitting by the fire, it’s snowing outside, and we’re drinking a cup of hot cocoa while laughing with our friends and family. The meaning of hygge today originates from the early 1800s but the word dates back to the Middle Ages and meant “protected from the outside world.” The concept is essential to people living in Denmark, where it’s often cold and dreary outside- hygge is usually imagined as spending time indoors with family and friends.
Although the word hygge isn’t quite commonplace yet among my family and friends, it seems to have infiltrated much of American culture in recent years, almost becoming cliche. While reading in preparation for this post, I found articles from NPR, The Telegraph, The New Yorker, the Today Show, and even SELF magazine. Most articles on the concept are geared toward teaching people how to “live more hygge,” so to speak, which, let’s face it, Americans need.
Being too busy was definitely why I first gravitated toward the idea of hygge. I remember reading The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking around eight years ago when I was a relatively new public school teacher and desperate for some comforting feelings in my life. I have a core memory of laying in a bubble bath, candles lit, quiet classical music playing, and reading the book. I thought…this is what’s missing from my life. I need to give myself permission to slow down occasionally and enjoy just…being.
Years later, I’m still a public school teacher, now also a mom, and I’m definitely still in need of some major hygge in my life. And apparently, I’m not alone in this. People, especially since the pandemic, are craving home-cooked meals, comfy clothing, candles, and cozy nights at home.
I feel like I’ve somewhat mastered the art of hygge in my home, so I thought I’d share some ideas for how to make your life a bit more hygge.
Home
What each person finds cozy and relaxing in their home will differ significantly, so I will share some of the things I find to give that hygge feeling.
Soft, comfortable furniture
We have a giant sectional in our family room, and it is one of those couches that’s hard to get out of once you’re in it. It sucks you in and forces you to relax. Add a few throw blankets and pillows, and you’re in a cocoon of coziness.
FIRE!
There’s nothing more cozy to me than a crackling fireplace or candlelight, especially in the autumn and winter. I can’t wait for it to get cool enough in Kansas to start lighting our wood-burning fireplace in the evenings. Sometimes, in the winter, I just lay a blanket out in front of the fireplace and read a book or take a nap. Heaven.
Low lighting
This goes hand in hand with the fireplace and candles. For me, the fewer bulbs, the better. I despise overhead lighting (much to the dismay of a few of my family members who say they can’t see anything in my house), and I adore lamps, fairy lights, and candles. I also leave off the overhead lights in my office at work and have several lamps. It’s a way of life.
House Plants
Part of the hygge life is enjoying nature, so it makes sense to bring nature inside. I wouldn’t call myself a plant lady (yet), but I have around ten house plants that I absolutely adore. Most of them have names.
Tidy up!
Again, this is so individual, but for me, having a tidy house is vital to feeling relaxed and comfortable. I’m not a minimalist or a super clean person, but when things are in their place, and it looks and smells nice in my home, I feel like I can chill.
Music
I mentioned in my last post that I am a musician, and music is a part of almost everything I do, so I can’t leave it out here. Listening to music, having it on in the background, or playing instruments (especially with friends and family) is the epitome of hygge to me. I love it when my musical family gets together and jams.
- Here are a few of my favorite albums and artists for those cozy feelings (Spotify links included):
Faith in the Future, Louis Tomlinson
Friends for Life, The High Kings
Merry Merry Time of Year, The Irish Rovers
The Tortured Poets Department, Taylor Swift
Activities
Hygge is about enjoying simple things alone, especially with friends and family. Here are some of my favorite ways to spend my time the hygge way:
Games
Playing cards or board games with friends and family just screams hygge, so I had to include it here. I’ll admit I dislike playing board games but love playing cards on a cozy night.
Movie Nights
One of my family’s favorite pastimes is a movie night. We make popcorn, grab a drink, and snuggle up on the previously mentioned giant couch. It’s super cozy, especially when our two big dogs also pile on. For major hygge feels, I would choose a movie that you find comforting. For me, this time of year, it’s all about Halloween and autumnal films. We just watched The Pagemaster with our kids, which came out when my husband and I were kids. It was so cozy and a real hit with the kids. Extra hygge bonus points were that it also felt super nostalgic.
Coffee Shops and Pubs
If you’re going to go out and still want to feel hygge, I’d recommend a coffee shop or pub-style restaurant or bar. So many restaurants make you feel rushed and guilty for sticking around and chatting after your meal, but most coffee shops and pubs I’ve been to are chill. My favorite bar in Wichita is a coffee shop/bar hybrid called The Vagamond. It has excellent hazelnut coffee and delicious cocktails. With the low lighting, great music, and local art on the walls, it’s a super hygge place to hang out with friends.
Keep plans simple
One of the most important things to make my time feel hygge is to keep your plans simple. Don’t over-plan or over-commit. It’s ok to stay home and do nothing; outings don’t have to be overly scheduled or fancy. Keep it simple and focus on spending quality time with the people you care about.
Have you heard of the concept of “hygge”? What activities feel hygge to you? Share some ideas in the comments!
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