Spring Time “Hygge”

“Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t.”

-Polonius, act 2 scene 2 of Hamlet

The world seems to be falling apart. As people around the world are being encouraged or required to self isolate, depression and anxiety can easily creep in. I want little reminders of comfort and happiness. I want to really enjoy being at home and see this as a gift and a rest even if it is inconvenient. I want to be surrounded by… hygge. I was introduced to this word through my Danish ancestry. It doesn’t have an exact translation into English so let me explain the concept. Denmark consistently ranks as the happiest country in the world. This is a little surprising considering its long, cold, dark winters. How do the Danes make it through these long seasons? Hygge.

Though higher altitude countries are known to suffer from more seasonal depression, Danes embrace the winter season. Hygge is the feeling of cozziness and contentment of being at home and with friends and family. It can describe things or actions that bring this feeling. For example, woolen socks and comfortable sweaters are hyggelig. Candlelight and family traditions, baking and books are all hyggelig. Curling up in front of the fireplace with a familiar book and a cup of tea while wearing your woolen socks and your favorite sweater from your grandma is very hyggelig!

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The most hyggelig times of the year according to the Danes are fall and winter, but we are heading into spring. Here are some of the things I’ve done to try to create some spring time hygge in my house.

• Open up the windows! The weather is so mild this time of year. It is the perfect opportunity to get some fresh air moving through the house and lift your mood.
• Bring in flowers from your yard and/or get some house plants. Plants are shown to have many beneficial side effects.
• Take a walk or jog (where permitted). This provides the opportunity to get some light exercise, fresh air and sunshine, and perhaps some social interactions with folks in their yards. You might also pick up little bits of nature along your way to deck the halls when you return home.
• Try sleeping outside in the yard or on the porch. This used to be common practice in the U.S. which is why so many old homes have an upstairs porch off the back. It was a sleeping porch!
• Cook and bake. Instead of looking for something new, try using old family recipes to make it truly hygge. =)
• Mail a letter to a friend. Maybe take the time to craft your own card, write in calligraphy, or choose a special stamp for extra hygge. You may get one back!
• Look through old photos albums or journals. Recalling memories of years gone by will bring a smile to your face and as well as reminders of how you have gotten through difficult times before. I am always encouraged and reminded of God’s faithfulness during times when I had felt totally overwhelmed.
• Decorate for the holidays! What a great time to give Easter some thought and attention. Decorate with flowers, ribbons, etc. as a way to celebrate the resurrection of Christ, and the hope that is more powerful than death.

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It is true that a lot of hygge is about time with other people. For families, this can be an excellent opportunity to bond together. For singles (as well as the elderly or at risk who have to take even stricter measures or may be uncomfortable using technology) this will be more challenging. Even if a text or video call isn’t as hygge as spending time with friends face-to-face. It is still valuable.

If you are curious about hygge (or want to know how to pronounce it) this is a good article. https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-year-of-hygge-the-danish-obsession-with-getting-cozy