Have you ever heard of the word, “hygge?” If not, it may be because you’ve never lived in Denmark where the concept has been around since the 19th Century. But in 2015, a prominent article written about hygge for the BBC website went viral and exploded across the U.K. and Europe. Now it is coming to the U.S. Why so popular? With a simple definition of “coziness” or “content togetherness,” hygge (often pronounced hoo-gah) just might be the perfect solution for anyone feeling the stress of the coming holiday or recent political events. Even better, hygge offers a possible path for those of us exploring living well and positive aging.
While the simple English translation of coziness is a jumping off place, hygge is much more than that. To grasp the full meaning of the word we must consider the cultural environment of the Danish. The word hygge is so much a part of Danish life that one way to say goodbye to others is to say, “Hyg dig!, or “Have hygge!” It is also one of the reasons that Denmark ranks near the top of the list in the World Happiness Report published in 2015.
How can they be so happy? With up to 17 hours of darkness during the winter, and average temperatures hovering near 32 degrees F, the Danes know how to not just survive, but to live well, contented and happy. In addition to thinking of hygge as feeling and experiencing coziness, it also contains the physical sensation of being hugged. That’s right. Not only do the Danes focus on home entertaining, they also ensure that their home design features the idea of being warmly embraced. Needless to say, candles and fireplaces play a prominent role in nearly every home. Instead of sleek, modern and often cold interiors, Danes decorate with an eye toward the warm and comfy.
Also behind the idea of coziness is complete relaxation and comfort. That’s why hygge happens regardless of whether you are alone or surrounded by friends or family. Creating an environment that is comfortable and secure is paramount. Curling up in front of the fireplace in flannel pajamas and knitted socks, while reading a book in the quiet of your home, qualifies as hygge as much as eating, drinking wine, and laughing around the dinner table with friends or family. And any time you snuggle with a loved one or a beloved pet is pure hygge. The key is how it feels.
Another benefit of hygge is that it is classless. In other words, if you make your home cozy and your guests content and happy, the size or luxury of your house matters not at all. No one cares where you bought your clothes, handbag or who did your hair. In fact, because the culture of Denmark is much more equality based with moderate working hours for all, social benefits like health care and education for all, safety nets for work security and much more, hygge is reflected in national connection and trust. As author and actress Marie Tourell Soderberg says, “In Denmark, our basic needs are met. We don’t need to fight for survival—and so we have time to do things that we find meaningful.”
With such a focus on the feeling of contentment and belonging, it is no surprise that all controversial conversations (like politics) are not considered hygge. Plus, if the goal is to come together with friends and family to connect and get cozy, then chatting on your cell phone or playing games on your ipad definitely doesn’t qualify. Anything that makes you feel safe, secure and content while huddled against the outside world fits together to create hygge.
So, is it translatable? Can we practice hygge in the U.S.? Of course. While we certainly don’t have the same social equality in our country, there are pockets of us who can embrace the concept of hygge in order to weather the current climate—be that the temperature outside or the political atmosphere as well. If we let go of social comparison, stop striving to get more and more stuff, eliminate stress and debt, and instead focus on what is most important to us, we create hygge.
As Meik Wiking, the author of The Little Book of Hygge says, “Togetherness, relaxations, indulgence, presence and comfort. It all boils down to the pursuit of everyday happiness – the art of creating intimacy and cocoa by candlelight.” Wiking goes on to explain, “Danes are aware of the decoupling between wealth and wellbeing. After our basic needs are met, more money doesn’t lead to more happiness and, instead, Danes are good at focusing on what brings them a better quality of life.”
So what can the average person do to create the feeling of hygge in their life?
Here are a few ideas.
- Focus on the lighting in your home. The warmer the better. Think candles, not florescent. Fireplaces are good too.
- Both the act of creating as well as eating baked goods can create contentment.
- Entertain more. Remember, hygge means connecting deeply with friends and family and has nothing to do with trying to impress. Make it simple.
- Stop working so hard or so many hours. Stop trying to compete, impress or compare.
- Keep things simple. Even if you want to make your home more inviting and hygge, if you stress yourself out or overdo it you have missed the point. Remember, hygge is about savoring the feeling of contentment not trying to prove to anyone that you have it.
I think each and every one of us has heard the news that more money doesn’t make us happier. For the same reason, I think we all know that buying more stuff, a bigger house, a closet of new clothing or more costly jewelry will not make us feel more safe or content. What we all crave, at any age, is that sense of wellbeing that usually comes when we feel safe and content in our home when surrounded by those we love. Staying focused on what is important to us, and embracing feelings of hope and contentment, are both SMART and hygge (hoo-gah!) at the same time.
Photo credit: Flickr
Great article! I am with you, though Kathy (as far as sun and warm weather). We live here in MN where the tempatures and weather are extreme. (Cold, windy, snow, blizzards). As much as I want to move to the desert southwest (St.. George, Utah, but my house hasn’t sold) for the sun and moderate weather……….we do survive here somehow…,,…! Thankfully, Hygge is present here. It may be due to the fact most of the people in MN are of Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish decent!
Hi Brittany! OOOOHHHH! Stay warm and hygge! I am glad that you have others to snuggle with and survive your winter. And when the time is right I’m sure you’ll be going somewhere warmer. Have a wonderful holiday and may 2017 bring you closer to your dreams and intentions! ~Kathy
Wow – It seems that I have understood this concept without ever hearing the Danish word! We have recently downsized our empty nest from a home much larger with high ceilings and large rooms to a much smaller, much more cozy home. It feels great with less “stuff” and I have discovered battery operated fake candles. They look and feel like wax candles, but they are electric. No worries for fires and no mess. I use them every evening for hygge.
What a great concept (which I for one have never heard of) and esp. relevant at this time of year. Still, if I ever go to Denmark, it will be in the summer!
Hi Tom! Yes it is a word that I think offers a lot of us benefits–and is so “rightsizing” don’t you think? Focusing on what is important, cherishing those close to us, embracing peace and harmony…. all good in my opinion. But as you might have guessed, I would never go there in winter time either. And not sure summer would ever be warm enough. ~Kathy
I am ALL about hygge, and have been practicing it with great intention for the past several years, but I didn’t actually know how to pronounce it until I read your post!
I will say one thing: sometimes following the path of hygge can make me feel like an oddball in our relentlessly competitive society, and so I’ve found that in the pursuit of hygge, some relationships might change or fall away, and some new relationships, with other hygge-minded people, will form.
Hi Laura! Good for you for knowing this is such a good thing to do as much as possible. And yes, just like many other ideas related to rightsizing, simple living and focusing on what makes us happy, we do end up standing apart from the “crowd.” But what was it that Einstein said? “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly.” Be a great spirit! ~Kathy
Great word (new to me) and even better concept. I liked all of your suggestions but especially the last one: keep things simple. I this era of Facebook, Pinterest, Houzz, and non-stop cooking and decorating shows, it’s so easy to put way too much pressure on ourselves. Things don’t have to be PERFECT. Thanks for a timely post, Kathy.
Hi Janis! Thanks for pointing out the fact that no matter what is happening, remembering to keep things simple is such a hygge thing. I think when we complicate things we tend to make ourselves crazy AND then are much less effective if we are trying to do or accomplish anything–be that save the world or just invite friends for dinner. I like the idea of hygge because it reminds me of what is REALLY important–love, peace, happiness and connection. Let’s all try to let go of the pressure and return to what brings us joy. ~Kathy
Great suggestions, Kathy. It’s been a busy week as we spent a few night in downtown LA enjoying the season. But I must say I’m happy to be cozy at home. One other thing I need to do to
lessen stress, is stop watching the news. It’s making me crazy. I’ll try harder. Thanks for this, Beth
Hi Beth! Yes, we are living in interesting times for sure. I don’t want to pretend all is well in the world (or our country) but as usual I believe that unless I am at peace I am not part of the solution (and only part of the problem) I do believe there is much in the idea of hygge that reminds us of what is so good about life and perhaps when we are rejuvenated in mind and soul we can then go on to make a difference where and when we are called. ~Kathy
I love this concept. A friend often says – snow means slow. Winter is an opportunity to slow down, eat the slow cooked food, hunker down and read the good reads. I live in northeastern Alberta, Canada. It was -30C this morning and it can be colder. The firewood is piled high and a fire is burning in the wood stove. Toque hair is acceptable as are Baffin winter boots; we snicker at the skimpy high heeled shoes this time of year. The house smells of baking in preparation for the Dec 25th celebration. There are just under 2 wks until the winter solstice, truly something to celebrate – the coming of the light.
Hi Mona! Thank you for providing such an excellent description of how you practice hygge during the winter season. As I’ve mentioned before, I can’t even imagine living in cold climate, but I still admire and appreciate such a warm and captivating way to do it well. May the your Winter Solstice mark the beginning of awakening light for us all. ~Kathy
Learned a new word! I love the concept. The hospitality of the Danes in Denmark is well known. Great post Kathy!
Hi Haralee! Thank you! Yes, isn’t it a great word? There is some disagreement about how to actually pronounce it without a Danish accent. But I like this one because it sounds happy and in a good mood. Happy Hygge Haralee! ~Kathy
Okay, so I’m still working too many hours 🙂 But it’s on my list to fix! I’m a bit better these days.
The good news is my home is so comfy, and even though it’s not always tidy, folks feel welcomed here. And of course, how couldn’t you, with so many 4-leggeds to hug!
Love this, Kathy.
Hi Susan! Glad to hear that you are attempting to slow down a bit. I think a lot of us (especially those of us in the northern hemisphere) feel an almost nesting kind of sense within us this time of year. I tend to crave a bit more sleep and yes, am drawn to foods that reflect that! It sounds like your home is a perfect place to relax and get comfy and I swear if we are ever nearby we will stop in to hug your dogs, you and have a glass of wine–all very hygge for sure! ~Kathy
Great post!
Thanks for letting me know you liked it Jennifer!
Thank you for this Kathy! I’ve been striving for this atmosphere in my home for years, and now I realize there is a name for it! We Canadians have some similarities in our environment, although our average temperature is higher, and we do have more daylight hours. On the prairies, where I grew up, everything was about staying warm and cozy. Winters are bitterly cold, and can be depressing. My mothers did everything she could to bring us comfort and happiness.
Hi Diane! You’re welcome. Yes, I’ll bet that those of you in colder climates would benefit from hygge. Learning to create those cozy and content moments wherever we are is a great skill to nurture. Fortunately you don’t have to have really cold, cold winters to appreciate it! Thanks for your thoughts on this. ~Kath
Fantastic article. Thanks. I’ve been saying for a couple yrs now that I want to spend some extended time in that part of the world to experience what makes them so happy. It’s something we should all strive for hygge!
Hi Deb! Yes I think other countries have a lot to teach us if we take the time to dig into them right? I have to admit I’m a bit tempted to move but I would go absolutely crazy with so little sunshine and warmth no matter how much hygge I created there. I think I stick to trying to create it right here in the desert southwest. ~Kathy
Thank you, this was such a wonderful read!
Hi Karen! You are so welcome. As usual I love finding new ways of thinking about what makes me happy and it’s always good to know that it resonates with others. ~Kathy