As a Dane, let me start by saying: I LOVE Christmas! There’s something magical about those long, cold winter evenings.
In Denmark, the dark nights are not a source of dread, but a perfect excuse to indulge in the magic of the season. It’s a time when we can believe in just about anything—Santa, elves, angels, miracles, and yes, the wonder of the holiday spirit. And the best part? It’s when we really turn up the hygge!
For those unfamiliar, hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah") has become quite the buzzword in recent years—and for good reason! It's not just a cute Scandinavian trend, but a powerful way to bring balance, health, and harmony into our lives. Hygge slows us down, connects us more deeply to those around us, and—best of all—it’s free and available anytime you need it.
Hygge is NOT a Secret and Not Just for Danes
First of all, let’s clear this up: hygge is not something that’s exclusive to Danes. We just happen to have a charming word for it! And the good news? You might already be practicing it without even realizing it. So no need to hop on a flight to Denmark to get your hygge fix—you can start right where you are. (Though, you're always welcome to visit our hyggeligt little country!)
But here’s the question: Why do the Scandinavians seem to do more hygge than other cultures? Well, let’s start with the obvious: we live through very long, cold, dark winters. In fact, in the northern parts of Scandinavia, winter days are often so short you can practically count the daylight hours on one hand! But rather than seeing this as something to endure, we’ve learned to embrace it. The long nights and snowy landscapes are the perfect backdrop for creating that cozy, intimate atmosphere that defines hygge.
The Role of Light in Hygge
Now, no discussion of hygge would be complete without mentioning the magic of light. In Denmark, we burn an incredible number of candles every year. It’s not because we’re particularly eco-friendly (though we try!), but because ‘light = hygge’. And there's something about the glow of a candle or a warm lamp that instantly transforms a room. It’s not just about illuminating the space—it’s about setting the mood. The Danish say, “When the sun doesn’t shine outside, we bring it inside.”
Why Light Matters:
- It brings people together: We’re naturally drawn to light. It’s where we gather— whether it's around a cozy dinner table, a candlelit living room, or an outdoor fire pit.
- It lifts our spirits: Light makes us feel good. It creates a sense of hope, happiness, and optimism, even in the depths of winter.
- It creates atmosphere: The right lighting turns a house into a home. It turns an ordinary evening into something special.
- It’s essential for survival: Let’s face it: long, dark winter days can get tough. But light helps us to mentally survive the cold months, ensuring we don’t become a nation of grumpy, depressed people!
Step 1: Bring on the Light!
To create your own hygge, start by bringing in more light. Whether it’s a candle, a string of fairy lights, or a warm table lamp, adding a little light can make all the difference. Pay attention to the lighting in key areas: your living room, bedroom, dining table, or even your home office. You don’t need to break the bank—just a few carefully chosen candles or soft light bulbs can transform the mood.
Click here to read "How to Create Light in the Darkness."
Step 2: Hygge Is Personal—Find What Works for You
Hygge isn’t about doing everything the same way—it’s about recognizing what brings you peace and joy. Maybe your hygge is spending time with loved ones over a cup of coffee, or perhaps it’s curling up with a book in a hot bath. Maybe you’re happiest walking through a park or having a quiet moment of reflection. Whatever it is, recognize it and give yourself permission to indulge.
Remember, hygge is found in the simple things —those small, beautiful moments that can easily be overlooked.
Create your own self-hygge: Look after yourself with a little indulgence. Perhaps you sit in your favorite chair with a book, enjoy a hot bath, or take a calming walk. Don’t feel guilty about it—when you take time for self-care, you're in a better place to be kind to others!
Step 3: Tune into What Matters
What gives you joy? What makes you feel content? Once you recognize these moments, own them. Allow yourself to feel them. Hygge isn’t about big events—it’s about savoring the little pleasures in life.
Take those little moments—like driving the kids to school or enjoying a cup of tea—and turn them into something hyggeligt. Even the mundane can become magical when you approach it with intention.
Step 4: Name It
There’s power in naming things. When you recognize a moment as ‘hygge’, it becomes more meaningful. Say it out loud! "This will be so hyggeligt!" or "This moment is just perfect." The act of naming something as hyggeligt reframes the experience and shifts your perspective. We stick the word in everywhere we can.
Before: "It’s going to be so hyggeligt to have dinner with friends!"
During: "This dinner is really hyggelig!"
After: "That was such a hyggelig evening."
Naming it makes it intentional—and the more you do it, the easier it becomes to create hygge moments in your life. Eventually, the word becomes part of your vocabulary, and you’ll find yourself living more mindfully in the present.
Step 5: Slow Down
Hygge isn’t something you can rush through, no something you can do on the go.. It’s not about doing more, it’s about being more. Slow down, focus on what’s happening right now, and savor the moment. The more you practice slowing down, the more you can truly appreciate the simple joys that come your way.
Stop trying to multitask and instead start being fully present—whether you’re with loved ones, enjoying a meal, or just taking time for yourself. Remember, being in the moment is a key part of hygge.
Step 6: Create Space
Clutter is the enemy of hygge. A messy space can leave us feeling unsettled. A clean, tidy environment invites calm and joy. Take a moment to look around your home—does it make you feel relaxed, happy, and content? If not, it might be time for a little decluttering. Less is more when it comes to hygge!
Step 7: Hygge is Homemade
The beauty of hygge is that it doesn’t come from a store. It’s created by you, in your home, with the people you care about, and the things that matter most. Once you discover hygge, make it a lifestyle.
As my husband says, it’s the "Nordic spirit," passed down through generations. And now, it’s your turn to pass it on.
Conclusion
Hygge is more than just a cozy moment or a cute word—it’s a mindset, a lifestyle that helps us create constant well-being in our lives. Whether you're cuddling up with a book, enjoying good company, or simply savoring the little things in life, hygge can help you create a sense of warmth, connection, and joy in even the coldest, darkest times.
So this holiday season, let’s embrace the Danish art of hygge, and make it part of our everyday lives.
Have a hyggelig Christmas, everyone!
Mette Theilmann Founder of HerEdge Cote d’Azur Club
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