Hygge. You’ve seen that word a lot in recent years, strongly linked with images of thick Scandi socks, roaring fireplaces, and steaming mugs of cocoa. But what is hygge exactly? How do you know you’re in it? And where do you start to cultivate this Danish custom of peaceful gatherings, physical warmth, and homemade coziness in your own home?
First, a Definition
That’s already tricky because hygge can be used as an adjective, a noun, or a verb. Norwegian and Old Nordic in origin, the word hygge basically means to seek refuge. To be warm, comfortable, and at peace. To experience a haven from the outside storm whether that storm is an actual raging blizzard or just your raging calendar. But what does hygge look like in practice?
And in case you’re wondering – yes, you’ve probably been pronouncing it wrong. It’s “hoo-ga.”
Hygge Means Togetherness
According to the Danes, the truest sense of hygge unfolds in a small gathering of close friends or family where you feel safe to be you – comfy pants included – and everyone agrees to leave the stress of the outside world at the door. Hygge happens when we share a meal, tell stories, laugh at each other’s jokes, and just enjoy each other’s company. To hygge is to drop the act and relax – and save the posturing for the office on Monday.
To Hygge You Must Slow Down
At its core, a hygge atmosphere is informal and unscheduled. It’s mindfully prioritizing your right to do absolutely nothing productive today except maybe finish your book or call your mother. Hygge is making a conscious decision you’re going to enjoy this one life and the people in it – and to stockpile now the memories you’ll cherish in the future.
Hygge Celebrates Simple Pleasures
Whatever brings a smile to your face and puts you at ease, that builds hygge. Could be a bite of a delicious homemade pastry. Maybe it’s sipping a cup of hot tea in front of your favorite movie. Or maybe the roads are atrocious, and you’re free to wrap yourself in a warm blanket at home while you watch the snow pile up, and feel no rush to do anything about it. Yes, pure hygge.
So, although a simple decorative style, a certain sweater, or a specific candle scent are important parts of a hygge environment, they aren’t the hygge itself. That’s up to you. True hygge is something that just is – it exists anywhere that comfortable friendship, peaceful moments, quiet pleasures, and cozy warmth come together to push away the storm.
