Hygge
November 23rd, 2021-As we move away from the bright, colorful days of early fall and toward the chilly, damp, and grey days of winter, many folks seem to go into a kind of hibernation, preferring the comforts of home over braving the elements for outdoor activities. This means a lot of time spent at home, and to make it as welcoming and comforting as we can, we might look to the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced “Hoo-gah”), which translates to “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” I first read about hygge on a mid-November flight to Northern Europe, while reading the book The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell. And when I got to Copenhagen, I could see evidence of hygge everywhere I went (especially Tivoli Gardens)! So what makes the Danish so hyggelig--so cozy? And how can we translate that into our own spaces?
The number one item for creating hygge in your home is candles. Danes use more candles per capita than any other country in the world, and 28% of them light a candle every single day! Flickering candlelight creates an inviting glow, and so do strings of twinkle lights or Himalayan salt lamps. Swapping your shoes for thick, soft socks or slippers, and curling up under a fleecy throw or warm quilt will add to the cozy feeling. A warm beverage like tea or mulled cider, fresh baked bread, and homemade soup are all hyggelig choices. Hygge is also about small gatherings of family or friends, like a candlelit movie night or an evening of board games in your pajamas. Anything that creates a welcoming, toasty atmosphere can be hygge and will make the winter a bit kinder on you and your family!
We’ve got several books, print and digital, that will give you more ideas for making a hygge environment in your home!
American Cozy by Stephanie Pedersen
The Book of Hygge by Louisa Thomsen Brits
How to Hygge by Signe Johahnsen
The Joy of Hygge by Elias Larsen
The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking
Minimalism & Hygge by Edison Montgomery
Scandinavian Gatherings by Melissa Bahen
And the one that got me interested in this topic:
The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell
Wishing you a cozy winter season!
Jackie Spencer,
Substitute Library Associate
