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What is hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) and why is it so important? Those are the two questions that we answer today.
What Is Hygge?
Hygge is a Danish concept, and it’s something that’s woven deeply into the fabric of their culture and people. The word hygge dates back a few hundred years, but similar definitions of hygge can be traced back to an Old Norse word that means “protected from the outside world.” When you practice hygge, you retreat from the outside world and into your own world of cozy comforts.
Hygge is the quality of coziness that fosters contentment, peace, and joy.
Denmark is a country in northern Europe, located between Norway and Germany. Being so far north, it’s understandable that Denmark is a cold and (often) dark country.
Even though the days are mild in summer, Danish people can enjoy up to 17 hours of sunlight per day. The sun may rise as early as 4:30 a.m. and not set until well past 10:00 p.m. However, the opposite is equally true of the winter months. During winter, Danish people are lucky if they see seven hours of sunlight.
Despite the cold weather and limited sunlight in the winter, Denmark continually ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world. When researchers wanted to see how a country so dark and could be the most joyful, they discovered the secret of the Danish people’s happiness: hygge.
Check out this map to see where Denmark is.
Now we know where hygge comes from, let’s talk about what it is.
A Cozy Atmosphere
Hygge is about slowing down and taking time to enjoy simple moments. Maybe you step aside from the hustle and bustle of the day to spend time with people you care about. Maybe you even spend a little time alone to relax, unwind, and enjoy some of life’s quieter pleasures.
Hygge is often informal time with family or close friends. Examples of hygge include:
- Sharing a hot meal together at home
- Sipping coffee and reading books at a quite coffee shop
- A picnic in the warmer months
- Sharing hot chocolate with children while playing a board game
- Lighting a candle and reading under a pile of soft blankets
With hygge, the idea is to celebrate the small joys of life, or maybe discuss deeper topics. It is an opportunity to unwind and take things slow.
Hygge Extends Beyond the Danish Borders
Although the word “hygge” is Danish, the idea behind hygge can be spotted in many cultures, including one of my personal favorites: Scotland. (The United Kingdom (where Scotland is located) ranks #18 on the Forbes’ Happiest Country index.)
How do Scottish families practice their own version of hygge? Traditionally, Scottish families would gather in one home to recite poetry, tell stories, sing songs, and occasionally dance on long, cold winter nights.
Scotland has a rich history of music and storytelling, and honestly, what’s better than a night of music and stories by the fireside?
Bringing Hygge to Your Family
It doesn’t matter if you’re located in Denmark or Scotland or sunny California. Hygge plays a big (and special) role in family life. Family life is nothing if not busy … and practicing the art of hygge can help us all find joy in the present moments… and connect with the most special people in our lives.
Hygge also meshes quite well with homeschooling family life because — let’s be real — homeschooling can be busy and chaotic! Trying to make more hygge moments is something that we have found brings peace to our days when everything else seems to be crazy. I often find that it’s in those hygge moments that I have a calm and clear mind to thank God for our blessings.
In our homeschool, hygge helps make hard lessons seem easier to handle. Hygge helps us feel close when we feel overwhelmed with work or school, and most importantly, hygge teaches us all to slow down and appreciate each golden moment in life.
We may do little things like:
- Playing calming music
- Light a candle
- Diffuse essential oils
- Cuddle on the couch and share a snack on a break from school
- Read school books together in bed
- Play a family card game during dinner
“Joy is the happiness of love – love aware of its own inner happiness. Pleasure comes from without, and joy comes from within, and it is, therefore, within reach of everyone in the world.”
– VENERABLE FULTON J. SHEEN
Further Reading
Here are two hygge books that I have (and love!):
Be intentional with adding more hygge moments to your day.
What is one hygge-inspired practice you will try today?
