“Hygge” – Happiness in everyday life
What does the word “hygge” actually mean?
The word originally comes from Norwegian and means: well-being.
The Danes, however, have adopted this word and use it to express nothing less than their national attitude towards happiness. And so the word “hygge” has many meanings among the Danes and can be used in any situation in life, as a noun (hygge), as a verb or as an adjective (hyggelig).
The Danes use the word hygge to describe a feeling of cosiness, security, comfort, being at home when something is comforting, pleasant, nice and good.
Hygge can be applied to almost anything: being together with friends and family, a cozy furnishing style, a situation that you like, a walk in nature, a delicious meal or drink, just everything in one a feeling of well-being, a moment of happiness.
Hygge is thus the art of creating intimacy, a feeling of close friendship, serenity, contentment, all combined in one word.
This is how it becomes “hyggelig” at home
The holiday season is high season for hygge at home. Because everything that gives us a feeling of warmth and comfort now is hygge. And since the days are at their darkest around Christmas time, the key element of hygge is the lighting. So: candles, candles and many more candles. A log fire is of course even better. But cozy and warm lighting in your home is the be-all and end-all of hygge.
Next, create a cozy atmosphere with cozy blankets and pillows in light natural tones or with plant prints, a fluffy rug and a decorative picture (nature!).
Plant pots fit well into the Scandinavian style of living – properly staged – as a calming natural element and as a decorative eye-catcher, you should not miss them either.
A simple bowl of fruit or biscuits on the table, along with a carafe of a refreshing drink or a fragrant pot of tea on a candle-lit warmer immediately invites you to linger.
Otherwise, hygge at home also means “less is more”. That means, out with the junk. It must not look too crowded, because comfort needs space. This also applies to the Christmas decorations. Better to skilfully stage selected pieces of jewelry than build up a “Hallelujah jungle”.
Not only at Christmas time, but in general, the Danes love a home where bright colours, natural materials and nature itself can be found in the form of plants. That’s why the furniture is often white with light wood elements, comes across as airy and light and rather minimalistic, but the candles, blankets, cushions and carpets make everything feel warm and cozy in the end and not cold and too modern.
Ultimately, your home is hyggelig if you find it comfortable and cosy.
Happiness in everyday life – this is how “hygge” works
Rather than making your own home hygge, hygge is a way of life. Namely the art of finding great happiness in the everyday little things. And that leaves room for endless possibilities.
A walk alone or with friends can be pure happiness.
Likewise, a warm, relaxing bath in the evening.
Snuggled up in a warm blanket on the sofa with tea and biscuits and a good book.
In general: take time for: reading a book, movie night, solving puzzles, knitting a scarf, meeting family and friends to eat and drink together, drinking mulled wine, baking cookies with the children, listening to good music, candlelight…
In short: Everything that makes you relaxed, happy, is a beautiful moment for you, everything is hygge. And of course this is not only possible at Christmas, but always. The only art is to be able to consciously perceive and enjoy it. Then there are countless hygge moments for everyone every day.