Fun Concept to Share--Hygge

Do you know about hygge? It’s a wonderful concept of home and hearth with principles to use throughout the seasons, but the concepts of hygge really enhance the winter season. The ideas have been around a while here in the United States, but it seems I’m always late to the party. I share with you in case you’re not familiar with this concept. It’s a good one!

What is hygge? (Pronouced hoo-gah) It is a Danish term used to describe an ambience that one creates in their home of calmness and coziness and peace. It is about enjoying the warmth of your home and family and immersing yourself in the smaller things in life--a warm fire, ambient lighting, good food. In the winter it can be about grabbing a good book, snuggling up with a warm quilt and simply enjoying some "you" time.

Components of hygge:

• Light - candles, firelight, soft lighting from lamps
• Food and warm drinks - comfort food (and in winter, hearty stews and chilis seem to fit the bill); delicious teacakes and pastries; coffees and teas
• Clothing - bulky sweaters, cozy sweatpants, scarves, fluffy socks and warm and cozy robes and pajamas
• Home decor - candles, wooden furniture, vintage accents, pieces of decor that you love and treasure, books, and an abundance of blankets, quilts, throws and pillows
• Wellness - taking care of your mental as well as your physical health

And then share!

Once I learn a new concept, I'm all about sharing it. I love hygge, and decided to make it a theme for a care package for my sweet sister-in-law. She goes above and beyond helping others. She's incredible and one of those people you tend to take for granted. I decided enough of that--I was going to send her a little box of hygge simply to show her I care and am grateful for all she does.

Here's what I put in her box of HYGGE:

A big mug for warm drinks. What is funny about my choice is that upon the new year, she had just posted on Facebook about her dear family and how blessed she was! Viola! I found this mug!

Fluffy socks to keep her feet warm and toasty!

A scented candle of course!

I found this fluffy throw on sale after Christmas. I put that in her box.

I wrapped all the items in a box and sent it to her.

Requisite photo~

You know those summertime pictures people post on Facebook? You know the ones I mean--the photos of their feet positioned on a deck or lounge chair by the pool or beach with a tropical drink in hand. That picture! Well, my hygge friends and I post our hyggelig pictures--warm mug in hand, wrapped in a warm blanket with our cozy sock-clad feet showing. I asked Donna to do the same. Here's her picture after she got her package. She's a good sport!

Donna enjoying her winter evening despite the harsh winter weather in the Panhandle of Texas.

And there you have it! The concept of hygge. And if you already know about this Danish idea, then by all means, share. Another component of wintertime hygge is to invite family and friends over for a hearty meal. Share this Danish tradition! It will make you feel all warm and cozy inside!