The Perfect Christmas… and other Fairy Stories.
#14 Year-End Hygge Comfort
Hygge is a feeling, an attitude, and an aesthetic.
It’s not just a winter thing;
it’s a year-round commitment to savouring the moment and prioritising serenity and happiness.
Think candles, warm drinks, friends, and laughter.
It’s the stuff life’s best memories are made of, and the Danes, some of the statistically happiest folk on Earth, swear by it.
It’s curling up in the softest blanket, with a log fire burning, a book in hand, as snowflakes dance outside your window.
Or the ambiance of your closest friends meeting for drinks.
Or a cuddle with your dog.
It’s the Danish art of finding joy in the simplest of things –
comfort, warmth, and togetherness.
And after the tree and the tinsel comes down,
it’s the perfect antidote to the January blues.
As the year winds down and the festive season’s sparkle dims, it’s the perfect time to embrace ‘Hygge’ – the Danish secret to happiness.
This isn’t about extravagant gestures; it’s about finding joy and comfort in the everyday, particularly as we transition into a new year.
Quick Facts:
Hygge (pronounced ‘hoo-ga’) is more than just a word; it’s a way of life in Denmark, known for its cosy contentment and well-being through enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Hygge is simplicity draped in happiness.
Here’s how you can embrace it.
Making the Year-End Hyggeligt
Hyggekrog (Cosy Nook):
As we say goodbye to this year, find a spot in your home where you can wrap up in tranquillity.
Equip it with a plush throw, soft cushions, and perhaps a side table for your warming winter drinks –
your sanctuary for the year-end reflection.
Light Up Your Space:
Candles are the essence of Hygge.
Their soft glow brings an intimate atmosphere, perfect for contemplative evenings and gentle gatherings as the year closes.
Connect and Unplug:
True Hygge involves being present.
So, in these final days of the year, disconnect from the digital world and connect heart-to-heart with your loved ones.
Phones down, eyes up, hearts open.
Share stories, play games, or simply be together in comfortable silence
Bring Nature Indoors:
Bring a piece of nature into your home.
It could be a plant, pinecones, or a simple bowl of stones.
Let the outside world nestle into your living space and remind you of the natural beauty around us – even when greenery is in short supply.
It’s a beautiful reminder of the Earth’s continuity and resilience –
as one year rolls into the next.
Savour and Sip:
Relish a cup of hot chocolate or your favourite tea.
Slowly savour each taste, and let each sip fill you with gratitude for the year passed and hopeful anticipation for the year ahead.
Cinnamon swirls work very well with it too, I find.
At least one…
Action:
Hygge is about relishing the now while stepping into the new year with a heart full of warmth.
- Identify three simple pleasures that you can carry forward into the new year that embody the essence of Hygge.
The epitome of self-care.
Make them part of your daily routine to ensure a serene,
joyous start to the new chapter.
Hygge is that beautiful feeling of ‘rightness’.
You’ll know it when you feel it.
A gentle, contented sigh from your soul, saying,
“This is exactly where I’m meant to be.”
Let’s hold and encourage that feeling as an aim, into the new year.
And if you’re intrigued, delve deeper with our mini-course on Hygge!