Countless articles have been written about hygge over the last couple of years; some might say too many articles have been written. Well, I’m jumping on the hygge bandwagon.  I simply can’t resist exploring this Danish way of living!

So what is hygge? The Oxford English dictionary defines hygge as “A quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being…” I don’t know about you, but that sounds more-than-wonderful to me!

Hygge House tells us that “Hygge (pronounced hue-guh…) is a Danish word used when acknowledging a feeling or moment. It can be alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary but is always cosy, charming or special. It literally only requires consciousness, a certain slowness, and the ability to not just be present – but to recognize and enjoy the present.” Hygge just keeps sounding better and better!

In an article in Harper’s Bizarre entitled What is Hygge and is it really the secret to happiness? we learn that “hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) promotes the idea of enjoying and indulging in the small good things in life – whether sitting around a table with friends and family or drinking a hot mug of tea by candlelight…And the results speak for themselves – the Danes have been named the most content people year after year…” I love the reference to the “small good things in life.” Those are what make moments in our lives special.

Whether you pronounce it hue-guh or hoo-gah, hygge is a mindset — or perhaps a lifestyle — that promotes a sense of contentment, warmth and well-being. It requires us to slow down and be very aware of the precious moments in our lives, alone and with our family and friends.

Let’s all give hygge a try. Can’t hurt!

♥