When I first saw the word “hygge” the only thing I could think was that it must be pronounced somewhere between hygiene and hickey 😉 For the record, Hygge is a Danish word (actually pronounced, “HOO-GUH”) that means coziness. It’s really more of a feeling than a word…the art of finding meaning and beauty in the simple things of life!
A sweet friend of mine gifted me a book for my birthday this past winter that was all about Hygge living. Being that it was mid-January, I had no trouble embracing the ways of the Danish people and quickly surrounded myself with glowing candlelight, comfy socks, and a plethora of filling soup recipes.
The concept of Hygge is to build sanctuary and community as we invite experiences that make us feel open-hearted and alive. It’s creating well-being, warmth, and connection. At the heart of Hygge is contentment and celebration of the simple, everyday moments of our lives.
So what does that look like? Here are some ideas for bringing Hygge living into your summer months…one of the best times to pause and appreciate simple joys like sticky popsicle faces and fireflies.
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- Lighten your home décor. Replace your curtains and bed linens with softer, lighter fabrics. Pick colors from nature and channel your inner beach-lover! Earthy sands and neutrals, peppy spring green and floral, or soft blues that mimic the sky and sea.
- Create relaxing spaces for your family to enjoy. A cozy book nook for afternoon reading, a hammock to sway in the sun or snag an unplanned nap, a candle-lit picnic table, or even soft outdoor lighting and an inflatable pool full of pillows and blankets for star-gazing.
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- Use fresh fruits and herbs from your own garden or a farmer’s market to decorate with and bring freshness to your kitchen.
- Host a laid-back dinner gathering featuring comfort food and conversation…remember, the idea is to create community! You don’t have to be an HGTV or Food Network star to make others feel welcome and cherished.
- Plan a screen-free evening with your family. Teach your kids the joy of Uno or Skip-Bo! Go for a nature walk, collect the simplistic beauty you find along the way, and display it in your home or create a craft with your kids using what you find.
Being someone who loves comfort, Hygge living is a no-brainer for me. I am at my happiest when I am living a slowed-down, meaningful moments kind of life. As a follower of Jesus, I need the reminder to be still, to choose gratitude for all things – especially the small things, to not rush ahead and forget to notice the people, places, and experiences that were divinely organized for my day. And most of all, I need to let that divine love bring the deepest and most meaningful comfort to my life everyday.
Can we just agree that Hygge is the weirdest word ever?! What do you do to bring comfort into your life and practice contentment? I’d love to hear from you!