EMBRACING HYGGE
Plan Friendsgiving. Go Black Friday shopping. Cyber Monday… add to cart. Have dinner with friends. Decorate the Christmas tree. Frost holiday cookies. Drink hot chocolate. Watch Hallmark movies. Wrap gifts... THE LIST GOES ON AND ON! These moments sound exciting, but they also bring a pang of anxiety. Anyone else? The pressure to "get into the holiday spirit" and check off every last item on my to-do list can feel overwhelming. I’m already stressed just typing this.
I was determined that this holiday season would be different. I wanted to pause, be thankful, sit around the table with my family and truly enjoy the meal we had just prepared together. That's when I stumbled across the word “hygge.” I quickly knew I wanted to embrace the Danish tradition of hygge (pronounced hoo-guh). A quick Google search will show you that it’s hard to fully capture the essence of hygge in a single definition, and that's because it's more of a feeling than a concrete concept. The more I explored it, the more I realized I just HAD to implement it, ASAP! I didn’t even fully know how, but I was on a mission. Eventually, I found a definition that resonated:
"A quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being."
Helen Russell, a British journalist, wrote a book titled The Year of Living Danishly, in which she defines hygge as “taking pleasure in the presence of gentle, soothing things.”
Coziness, friendliness and contentment are probably the closest English synonyms for hygge. Did you know that the Danish are ranked among the happiest people in the world? I think it has something to do with their hygge-ing ;)
So, how can we hygge in America? Is it even possible? Is it selfish? Let’s dive in!
IT’S ALL ABOUT MINDSET
It may seem impossible to embody the word hygge in America. When I first read the definition, I thought about my holiday to-do list and immediately wondered what I would need to cross off to fit "hygge" into my schedule. But I was missing the point. Hygge isn’t something to add to your list — it’s a mindset. It’s about taking the things already in your schedule and making them more meaningful, less stressful and more intentional.
For example, let’s say you have to go Christmas shopping. Instead of focusing on how packed it’s going to be or rushing through Black Friday sales where you might get trampled, try visiting your local farmer’s market, rain or shine. Maybe invite a friend and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the market with a coffee in hand. Look for crafted gifts from local artisans, or perhaps you’ve thought about making homemade gifts this year — like ornaments, a loaf of sourdough with jam or a freshly baked pie. Often, hygge is about slowing down, appreciating what’s around you, and embracing simple living.
Some of the best things in life are free: being outside, listening to live music or taking a walk by the water. AND THE BEST PART ABOUT HYGGE is that you can do it alone or with others. These small moments can be enjoyed with a small group of close friends (which is often how the Danish do it) or by yourself, curled up in your own living room.
There are many beautiful traditions and ways of life in other cultures. As Americans, we often have a sense of patriotism and are taught that the Western way of life is the only way. But I think we can all admit there are things that America doesn’t get right 100% of the time. We don’t have it all figured out, and I think that’s beautiful. America is a melting pot of cultures, and we can always learn and grow from others around the world. Hygge is just one example.
Other examples of cultural practices that embrace similar values include meditation, herbs and Ayurvedic practices from Eastern cultures. Europeans are praised for their higher quality of food and leisurely mealtimes. In the Philippines, meals are often served family-style, fostering a great sense of unity in the community. In Stockholm, gathering outdoors is a cherished tradition. Even in winter, restaurants provide blankets so diners can enjoy their meals outside in comfort. These customs and traditions are beautiful and they deserve to be celebrated and admired.
Even when your schedule feels too busy or your life too hectic, I challenge you to shift your mindset. It may seem like extra work at first, but the more you practice this cozy, present and intentional way of living with those around you, the more natural it will become.
Here are a few ways I’ve been tapping into the art of hygge in my daily life:
Reading by the fire
Quiet time reading my devotional by the lighted Christmas tree in the mornings
Grabbing a cup of hot cocoa with your significant other and strolling through town
Having a picnic in the park
Meeting a friend for a walk and wine afterward
Slipping into your favorite cozy boots
Making your daily tea time more thoughtful, almost ceremonial
If you find yourself stressed this holiday season, you’ve come to the right place. I want my Instagram, website and blog to feel like a resting place for you. No pressure for perfection or materialism — just a space to be and enjoy. And, of course, with a few sprinkles of styling tips along the way. I hope that’s what I’ve inspired you to do today!
If you are looking to learn more about hygge - I have enjoyed these books.
