California Hygge

What is Hygge?

“hygge,” Danish for “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” It derives from the 16th-century Norwegian word hugga related to the English word “hug.”

Official Hygge video MUST WATCH

It has been raining a LOT in California, making it the perfect time to practice the art of cozy.

Like the French, the Danes seem to be good at focusing on small habits that bring joy and improve quality of life.

Hygge seems to share the French’s reverence for balance and measured experience. Think indulging in a glass of quality wine with dinner, but not outright finishing the bottle.

How I California Hygge…

Put on your big, chunky sweater or bundle in a blanket.

Danes abide by Alfred Wainright’s phrase ‘Der findes intet der hedder dårligt vejr, kun dårligt påklædning!’ (‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing!’)

Enough said.

Wooly slippers or socks.

Along with sweaters, I collect camp socks. So good for the colder months! I always have cold hands and feet, so THESE are heaven.

Sorry, I’m not a friend to the animals but I’m still in love with UGG boots. My current ones are close to death so I’ve been eyeing THESE for next year.

Brew a big, mug of spicy tea.

Why spicy tea? Check out my post on THE BENEFITS OF SPICY TEA.

No microwaves allowed. Use a kettle (or in a pinch a pot!) to boil the water. & Don’t forget to use your favorite mug.

Bake some pastries or a warm meal.

I’m definitely guilty of choosing the healthiest option every time. Which is great for staying fit but can be a drain on creativity or TREAT-YO-SELF moments. Because it’s still winter-ish weather, I recommend preparing something warm and that will fill the house with a great scent. ^^^These spiced scones smelled better than any scented candle.

Need some inspo? Make some TEBIRKES (Danish poppy seed rolls) are to Denmark what pasta is to Italy. The Danes eat around 10 kilos of pastries and cakes each year and are most famed for their Danish pastry, otherwise known as ‘Wienerbrød’ so it makes sense that they’re all so happy – they’re eating pastry all day long!

I’m not big on sweets, but what got me through European winter in France was making gourmet (rich!) meals for my boyfriend and our friends. (Toulousain Cassoulet, Raclette, etc.)

Perhaps the more important part, share it with family or friends. Or at least call your grandparents.

Enjoy the warm glow of candle light.

Come on baby light my fire. According to the European Candle Association, Danes burn more candles per head than anywhere in Europe.

For more on TRUE DANISH HYGGE, I recommend you read the NYTimes Bestseller The Little Book of Hygge.

Don’t let the weather give you the blues, — Annie