Though I love Christmas time, I have never been a fan of dressing up in glitter, uncomfortable shoes and fully planned days. I like Christmas to be magical, in a simple and comfortable way.
I am sure you have heard and read about it; Hygge. The trending lifestyle of Hygge is a Danish word for feeling an extraordinary level of cosines. It is the ritual of enjoying life's simple pleasures, making the ordinary more meaningful and being aware of a good moment.
‘Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home.' The little book of Hygge – Meik Wiking.
One of the best reasons to take time to hygge - and why the Danes are consistently voted the happiest nation of people - is that hygge forces you to stop, enjoy and appreciate the moment. It is the emphasis on choosing to do what makes you happy. This is exactly where the Hygge lifestyle and the KonMari Method™ coincide, and the reason why I love it so much.
Living simple, mindful and joyful. Add a touch of nature and that's all I need!
Even though the Danes hygge all year round, Christmas particularly is the time for all of us to join them. Family and friends, fireplaces and candles, cold winter walks, board games and home baked cookies: it doesn’t get much more hygge than that.
Let’s master the Art of Christmas Hygge:
A hyggelig Christmas begins and ends with family and friends. These are the people we love, feel safe around and enjoy spending time with. Being together may be the most important ingredient to happiness and joy, and Christmas is the perfect opportunity to gather.
Only the fresh scent of pine from the Christmas tree will do. Did you know there are places in Switzerland where you can choose and chop your own tree? Just imagine the joy and satisfaction, and the smile on your children’s faces?
The hygge way to decorate your house is by bringing nature into your home; leaves, twigs, nuts, branches and pine cones. Anything made out of wood enhances the hygge concept of simple and natural. It is all about the feeling of cosines and comfort, so take out your soft pillows and warm blankets, and optimise your indoor space to unwind and relax.
If you want instant hygge you light candles, so called ‘living lights’. An expression that I just love, it sounds so magical! Make sure to light every single candle and if you’re lucky enough to have one, light your fireplace! When it comes to home lightning, dim your lights to create the soothing, soft and warm glow that we know and love from Scandinavian homes.
Hygge is about savoring the moment and indulging yourself with the simple pleasures in life. Good food and hot drinks are very hygge. Hot drinks even come in first place in association with hygge. Absolute favorite is coffee, yet at Christmas time the festive and fragrant glögg (mulled wine) may take over for a few days.
Baking and eating cakes and cookies is also very hyggeligt, it the perfect way to spend time with your loved ones and to get into the Christmas spirit.
No need to dress up in glitter dresses and high heels. Casual is key. Woolen socks, thermal underwear and your favorite sweater. Hair up in a bun and you are ready to sit down at the Christmas dinner table. Layer up with a cardigan and a scarf when you go outside for a winter walk.
A hygge Christmas is about being kind to yourself and to others. It is about giving yourself a treat and a break from the demands of every day life. Find some quiet time to read, cuddle up by the fire and play a game. Gather your most precious people, enjoy a lovely dinner, a glögg and a laugh! Relax, be comfortable and happy. My kind of Christmas!