Hygge is reading a book while snuggling by the fire (123RF)
As the summer crescendo of insects and birds starts to lull, winter winds drift in and vegetation drops its last seeds to the ground, we are reminded to soften our busy pace of life and settle into the softer rhythm of the years end. All over the world different cultures have routines and traditions to do this, yet none embody the snugness of winter as a way of life like the Danish do.
To understand how to adopt the cozy-life mentality we must first look at the Danish way of being, Hygge. Pronounced (hoo-gah). Hygge has many translations like, “coziness” or “cocoa by candlelight.” The word can be traced back to the Middle Ages, deriving from the old Norwegian, hugga meaning “protected from the outside.” The first appearance of the Danish adaptation was recorded in the 18th century and has been embedded in the Danish lexicon since. While Christmastime is peak hygge, year-round the Danish light their homes with warm twinkly lights, line their furniture with furs, sip meditatively on cups of hot beverages and apply a methodology of slowing down to appreciate the small moments in life.
A cozy hyggelig living room (123RF)
1. Create a warm, welcoming space. By lighting candles, dimming the lights, putting on a pair of slouchy socks, and popping cinnamon buns or another hearty treat in the oven you can encourage coziness for yourself and your loved ones.
2. Practice mindfulness. Hygge embodies being present to create joy even in seemingly insignificant things. This can be something as simple as switching on a salt lamp, noticing how soft your pets fur feels as they sit next to you on the couch, or focusing on the taste and texture of each bite of your meal.
3. Nourish connections. Invite friends over for a night of boardgames by the fire or set up an outdoor movie screening in the summer. Connect with yourself by listening to music, reading a book or hiking in the forest.
4. Comforting food. Hearty breads, stews and warm glogg provide comfort and fill the home with delicious smells. A popular Danish treat for Christmas is Æbleskiver, or Danish pancake balls. They are served hot with powdered sugar or jam. Specialty pans are even sold for them.
Æbleskiver, or Danish pancake balls (123RF)
While hygge is very much a full-embodied lifestyle, many other countries practice similar rituals to find happiness like Japan’s Ikigai (reason for being) or southern Africa’s Ubuntu (I am, because we are). Below are a few European practices you might consider adopting for the winter season or even year-round.
Gemütlichkert
In Germany, Gemütlichkert is more of a feeling that hits you. It is a creation of friendliness, good cheer and belonging. It is the state of warmth often felt at beer gardens or Christmas markets. Especially in older villages, Germans have a strong sense of community and togetherness. The song “Ein prost der Gemütlichkeit” (a toast to coziness) is played at traditional, community events like Oktoberfest and embodies this feeling. A contrary German practice that is also hyggelig is Waldeinsamkeit or, forest loneliness. It describes the feeling of enlightenment and inspiration that comes from roaming the forest alone.
Waldeinsamkeit, or forest loneliness (123RF)
Gezelligheid
The Dutch word Gezelligheid does not have a direct translation but could be summed up as a sense of heartwarming comradery. It is more often practiced outside the home when having a good time with others. Meeting friends for a beer at a vintage bar could be considered gezellig due to the cozy atmosphere and sense of human connection. A birthday party, gathering at a park or having a nice family dinner could also be gezellig.
Coorie
Coorie derives from an old Scottish word that means to nestle or snuggle. Like hygge, it teaches us to appreciate the simple moments in life. It is embracing harsh weather and appreciating the comfort of coming back inside. Coorie even has its own terminology to help describe the feeling. An example of this is Stravaig, meaning to wander without purpose, just enjoying wandering for wanderings sake. Driech is used to describe the worst of Scottish weather that demands you indulge in a hot scotch broth or hot toddy while curling up with a good book. Skipping stones over the loch, a polar swim or dancing around the living room with friends all embody the coorie lifestyle.
Koselig
In Norway, Koselig translates to “cozy” and encompasses moments of comfort, generosity and friendliness. The feeling centers more around being in a social setting, rather than being alone. It also has a more focused connection to nature and the outdoors. Like Germans and Scots, Norwegians embrace going outside despite the weather because it is a mood-booster. Going on a ski trip, having a big bonfire, or even chatting on the phone with a friend while on a walk is considered koselig.
Gathering with friends around a campfire (123RF)
Mysa
Mysa is the Swedish word for cozy and, like hygge, it embodies living one’s life presently and surrounded by warmth and happiness. A steadfast Swedish ritual that perfectly captures this is Fika, which is when you take a pause out of your day to enjoy a long-lasting coffee break accompanied by a sugary pastry and good company. Ducking into a warm coffee shop out of the cold rain with a friend and sitting with your hands wrapped around a steaming mug of joe would be mys-fika.
Jólabókaflóð
While Jólabókaflóð meaning, “Christmas book flood” is more of a one-day-tradition rather than a lifestyle, it embodies a coziness and togetherness that make it worth mentioning. This unique tradition reflects Iceland’s love for literature as it involves giving and receiving books. The heart of this tradition is in the joy of reading those books snuggled up together on a cold winter’s night with a warm fire, a mug of hot cocoa, Icelandic chocolates and specialty beer. A deep sense of connection that could be carried out year-round.
