I’d read about the concept of hygge [pronounced hYOOgah or hooga] a few years ago and thought it interesting. It’s a Danish cultural expression that roughly translates to the English word “cosiness”. Loosely described, it’s embracing of home, friends, family, togetherness really in a “go big or go home” kind of way. But you can also hygge solo. So it’s not so much a thing you do but it’s a way you live and think. Although they really embrace hygee in the winter when people spend so much time indoors, it’s a yearlong cultural practice. With Denmark (despite the long, cold winters) being known as one of the happiest places on earth, I figure the Danes must be on to something with this concept.
With the hustle and bustle of a new job and commute, days becoming shorter, nights longer, plus the cold and barrenness of winter that’s making it’s way to the East coast, I’ve decided to embrace hygge this Fall/Winter. With my family scattered all over the globe and not having my dearest close to me, it’s important for me to do what I can to embrace intentional living and cosiness this Fall/Winter. Kinda like a preemptive strike to beat the winter blues which can come although I love the winter season most. I like the way one author on the subject describes it —
Hygge was never meant to be translated – it was meant to be felt ~ ToveMaren Stakkestad
so embrace and feel I will!
My last knitting F.O has started the ball rolling. I finished the blocking of the Leafy Washcloth and it’s been in use from the day I took it off my blocking board. It’s a small thing, not the largest F.O. I’ve made, but adding it to my decor has already given me and my home some hygge and it’s really been wonderful.
Have you heard about hygge before? Share in the comments if you have or haven’t. Here’s wishing you and yours some hygge this Fall and Winter!
More on the subject can be found here, here and here (I like this article best).
D'NALI 
I love that expression! Must start using that. Thanks for the lovely post!
You’re welcome Hannah! I know it’s been three weeks since I posted this but I hope you’ve been able to incorporate some hygge now that the bustle of the holiday season is on us. 🙂
Oooh! I love the pretty leaf 🙂 Promises spring!
Isn’t it just adorable?!!! Next up is a beaded one.
What a beautiful washcloth! I’ve never heard about hygge before, but the concept is familiar to me. Just like you I am too far away from my family and sometimes it’s hard to embrace. There are days when I desperately want to just come by my parents house and have the best pancakes in the world…
I totally understand. When my mom visits I want her to cook all the foods I’m use to eating at home but don’t get here. 😀
By the time she leaves she needs a holiday from me. LOLOL!
Did you know Woolfolk makes a yarn and collection of patterns by the same name? All cozy. It’s a great philosophy to have. I dread the early dark evenings and the cold coming.
I had no idea! I should check; maybe I can entice some to take up residence under my Christmas tree since my yarn fast is over in 5 days!
I have never heard of Hygge before, but it is something I put into practice without knowing it’s name. I just finished switching over all my bedding from summer to winter, adding extra pillows to add to it’s coziness,along with putting soft throws and quilts every where to cuddle under, now if only the cold weather would arrive!
Just lovely and your location must make it all the more beautiful and cozy!
This is my first experience with hygge, but I’m jumping right on this. Interestingly, living where it is still 80+ degrees in November has been less fun than I anticipated. And I’m missing the coziness that comes with trying to warm up when the temps drop. Going to try to channel hygee for sure!
Do it! We definitely can’t lose by adopting that kind of lifestyle/mindset.
I have not heard of this before, but I love it already!
So do I! It’s been fun trying to incorporate it in my daily life.
Very interesting concept! I will read up on it later. Love that you are embarking on this journey.
Thank you friend! ❤