This winter I read a charming little book called The Little Book of Hygge: the Danish Way to Live Well by Meik Wiking. What on earth is hygge? you ask. Simply, hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is a state of being.
In annual studies by the United Nations, Denmark consistently ranks as the happiest country in the world. This book goes a long way to explaining why.
Hygge isn't happiness, but it helps us understand why Danes are happy. As I said, hygge is a state of being. If you imagine hominess and coziness, you're on your way to understanding hygge.
What makes Danes happy? According to this book, many things contribute to hygge: a cozy pair of socks, candlelight, curling up in front of a fire with a warm blanket, wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of tea, eating cake with friends.
You've probably noticed that none of these things cost a lot of money. Hygge is more about taking the time to enjoy things we already have around us, the simple things in life.
So, if you're looking for a feel-good read, I highly recommend The Little Book of Hygge. Sometimes I like to flip it open just to enjoy the photographs.
What fills you with happiness and a state of well-being? At the moment, I can't think of anything more hyggeligt than to settle in with a cup of coffee and a good book. And I think I'll start with a Harlequin Heartwarming by one of this month's amazing authors.
Have a happy day!
Until next time,
Lee
xoxo
In annual studies by the United Nations, Denmark consistently ranks as the happiest country in the world. This book goes a long way to explaining why.
Hygge isn't happiness, but it helps us understand why Danes are happy. As I said, hygge is a state of being. If you imagine hominess and coziness, you're on your way to understanding hygge.
What makes Danes happy? According to this book, many things contribute to hygge: a cozy pair of socks, candlelight, curling up in front of a fire with a warm blanket, wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of tea, eating cake with friends.
You've probably noticed that none of these things cost a lot of money. Hygge is more about taking the time to enjoy things we already have around us, the simple things in life.
So, if you're looking for a feel-good read, I highly recommend The Little Book of Hygge. Sometimes I like to flip it open just to enjoy the photographs.
What fills you with happiness and a state of well-being? At the moment, I can't think of anything more hyggeligt than to settle in with a cup of coffee and a good book. And I think I'll start with a Harlequin Heartwarming by one of this month's amazing authors.
Have a happy day!
Until next time,
Lee
xoxo
Hot tea and fuzzy socks and scented hand lotion. Thank you for this post (happiness reminders are always good) and to the Danes for sharing their path to hygge.
ReplyDeleteLove hot tea and fuzzy socks...together or on their own!
DeleteI recently read something about Hygge. Thanks for the reminder. Love the tea set. Harkens back to a quieter time when life wasn't so hectic. We all need snatches of that. Happy Easter.
ReplyDeleteRoz, I think we all benefit from a little quiet time from time to time. I hope you have a Happy Easter, too.
Deletethanks--I ran across that book, too, and found it wise and charming. Glad to see it mentioned!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Virginia! Great to connect with another fan of hygge!
DeleteInteresting and all that sounds good to me, too. The pic is so pretty. Thanks for posting and for the 'new word of the day'.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it, T.R.! Drop by for tea sometime!
DeleteMy background isn’t Danish, Lee, but I can sure relate to hygge! My idea of hygge is a cosy place with someone I love and some indulgent treat. I think that many people today, especially thos of us in big cities, can use a bit more hygge in their lives. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteAccording to the book, Janice, the Danes eat a lot of cake and confections. So there's something to be said for indulgence!
DeleteI learned about hygge through one of those monthly subscription box services. They have a hygge box. I didn’t know what it was so I looked it up and learned what it means. Seems I’ve been a fan of hygge without even knowing it, since I find these small things comforting too.
ReplyDeleteLaurie, I am intrigued to learn about more a hygge monthly subscription box. Thanks for sharing. Off to do some research!
DeleteI saw it at Cratejoy. ( :
DeleteHygge. I love the concept. Like that first sip of tea on a cool morning, or sitting in the garden and breathing in the scent of lilacs. Or my morning visit to this blog. I'll have to look for the book. Thanks, Lee.
ReplyDeleteBeth, I can't wait to be back out in the garden, listening to the songbirds and watching the hummingbirds at the feeders.
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