Why We All Need More Hygge Right Now

If you’re in the “know” with popular trends and terms, you’ve probably heard of hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah,” unless you’re my husband, who insists on calling it “huggy”).

Originating from the Nordic culture as a way to cope with their long winters, hygge is the essence of being cozy and being together. 

It’s curling up in front of a roaring fire, sipping a steaming cup of coffee, or enjoying a meal with family or friends. It’s being wrapped in a warm blanket and sharing deep conversations on the couch, with candles flickering all around. It’s fuzzy socks, long books, hugs, and laughs. 

You get it.  

This way of living is said to be the reason why Denmark is the happiest country in the world. And it’s no surprise…on the surface, hygge is mulled cider and bonfires, but on a deeper level, hygge is connection. 

It’s pulling people close. It’s opening our homes, sharing meals and memories together, and treasuring the bonds we get to have as soul-filled people. 

If you read my last post (you can read it here) you know I’m all for going against the grain and ignoring what popular culture is fawning over. But I’ll confess…this whole hygge thing? 

Count me 100% in. 

Because like I said previously, on the surface, it’s Pinterest-worthy living rooms, full of steaming mugs of hot cocoa and families laughing on the couch. But it’s the heart of hygge that’s inspired my own homemaking. 

And it’s kind of ironic this post landed on the week it did…because I think this current trend that’s sweeping through America might be what we all need right now. 

We’re in the middle of one of the most intense seasons of isolation we’ve ever walked through. There’s no better time to learn from a country who knows a thing or two about long seasons of isolation and hardship…and add more hygge to our homes, no matter who we’re with (or who we’re not able to be with right now).

I’m going to be writing more about hygge as a form of homemaking in the coming weeks (did you see it earned its own section on the blog?). But for now, we can consider this post an intro for “huggy living” (that was for you, Cory). 

Step 1: slow down

Hygge is all about slowing down and enjoying simple moments with the people we love. So if you implement one new thing, let it be: mindfulness. 

One of the most said lines in all of humanity has got to be, “I wish I could go back and…etc.”

We’re nostalgic people who long to go back to whatever season held sweet emotions and fond memories. But we’re absolutely terrible about being in the moment and appreciating what we have now. 

If we want to be present, we need to slow down and tune in. We need to intentionally soak up memories and moments and choose engagement rather than racing to the next thing. 

Step 2: master the aesthetics

Creating the right atmosphere is, in my opinion, essential for connecting better (or at least enjoying moments more).

When we first got married, Cory and I had very different opinions of what the right atmosphere was for having deep conversations. I probably stopped way too many of our talks midway, because they were happening in a disgusting aesthetic, or just at the wrong time entirely. The famous line became, “we can’t have this conversation here.”

Why? Because it’s much easier to focus and make more of a moment when it’s given the backdrop it deserves…like candlelight (and wine glasses in hand). There is also the possibility that I’m just aesthetics obsessed (starting to see why I love hygge so much?)…but either way…

Hygge isn’t about “things” that make it…but take it from me, as an atmosphere creator, there are some easy things to add to your home that’ll go a LONG way for your family moments/connection.

Candles

For starters, just go buy a ton of candles…the small kinds, the Gigantors, the ones that smell like cinnamon, whatever you love. Candles are your new best friends. Light them often.

String lights

String lights are also wonderful for creating a comforting vibe…they’re definitely not just for Christmas, thank you very much. Put them up in your living, bedroom, wherever you want to enjoy the warm glow.

Blankets

I have a basket of blankets in our living room and it’s probably one of the best decisions I’ve made. Again, it’s the little things…

Step 3: connect

So with your home well on its way to being a haven, you’re ready to connect with those around you. Here are some ideas to get you and your family started…

• Have a game night, instead of watching tv…
• Eat dinner as a family…except dim the lights and pull out some candles! Here are some fun conversation starters….https://findingtimetofly.com/conversation-starters-for-family-dinner-time/
• Go on a family walk…and pay attention to the scenery around you. 
• Bake a dessert together…blast music while you do it…or peaceful piano if that floats your boat 😉
• Read together before bed…bring out ALL the fuzzy blankets for this one and the steaming mugs, of course.  

Hopefully, that gave you a good starting point…but stay tuned, because I’ve got more hygge-styled posts coming your way. For now, let’s slow down, connect, and enjoy life together… 

Let me know in the comments if you were able to implement anything from above and what you and your family thought of it!

Stay rooted.