Scenario One: Lights are down low, soft fleece blankets cover us on our outstretched leather recliners. Fresh popcorn in bowls and drinks in tall glasses sit on side tables within reach. Our beagle lies on the rug chewing a treat while warmth emanates from our fireplace. A large black screen on the wall above the mantel comes to life with gentle light and music. There, we share a few hours watching a movie together in our family room on a cold and blustery winter evening.
Scenario Two: A black checkered tablecloth covers our dining room table and down its center are bowls, small plates and ramekins filled with diced onions, sliced peppers, mushrooms, olives, pepperoni, bacon, prosciutto, shredded cheeses, and tomato sauce. Around the edges of this surface lay floured paddles with a ball of dough on top of each, ready for guests to make their own creations, then be baked in our outdoor pizza oven. After dining at the bar, the glow from our fireplace beckons us to come over to sit, kick back, and share life stories as the autumn sun sets on the horizon.
Scenario Three: An easy hour and a half drive north along the California coast, we see the vast gray blue Pacific Ocean ebbing and flowing out of our car windows. Family visiting from the east coast accompanying us. They share news from my hometown until we arrive at a 200-acre working ranch. Once parked, we’re greeted warmly by a sommelier and directed up the dirt path on foot to a grassy area partially covered with a wooden slat roof, surrounded by greenery with views of rows and rows of grapes growing heavy on the vines. Seated at a table with cushioned chairs the next few hours are spent tasting wine, sampling charcuterie board bites, while talking and laughing as the white clouds drift by against the bright blue late summer sky.
Just thinking about these get-togethers with family and friends brings up feelings of comfort, happiness, and well-being. The Danish, as well as Norwegians have a name for this concept. It’s called hygge. Pronounced “hoo-ga”, the word is derived from the 16th century term “hugga” meaning to console or comfort. Used as an adjective, noun, and verb, it’s basically the idea of taking time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to hang out with loved ones. It’s about savoring simple pleasures together. It’s about slowing down, creating a relaxed environment, and nurturing social connections. It’s also about feeling safe and sheltered in the company of those you trust.
From my journal: October 24, 2016, Newbury Park, California
“(Meik) Wiking’s ‘The Little Book of Hygge’…simple ways to bring more happiness to each day…he outlines a Hygge Manifesto – love this book!”
Although hygge is a way of life in Denmark, other countries in the Nordics, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, and India have adopted it too. Over the last decade a plethora of hygge-related merchandise has hit the market, further popularizing this idea. Furniture like tables, chairs, and sofas are designed with congenial gatherings in mind. Clothing made of natural textures, fibers, and plush materials evoke comfiness. And cuddly blankets, plump pillows, and soothing candles are textiles that bring warmth and ambience to homey spaces.
While items like these provide tactile sensations, the feel of hygge if you will, the concept involves all senses. Take taste. Hygge foods and beverages can be any that gratify and satisfy you. Home cooked dishes like soups, stews, sweet baked treats and hot chocolate are often thought of as comforting. Our sense of sound is not only about what you hear, but what you don’t. Perhaps, the crackling of wood burning in a fireplace, raindrops on a roof, or children laughing calm you. Regarding smells, think of aromas that bring you to a happy place. Apple pie baking in an oven, pumpkin scented candles, and freshly mowed grass all give me the warm and fuzzies. And sight, maybe seeing waves lapping up onto the shore, snow lightly falling on the ground, or leaves on trees rustling gently in the wind connect you to pleasurable times and places.
Every season offers opportunities for intimate unhurried gatherings. But especially now that autumn is here and winter is on its way, what better time to think of ways to bring more peace, coziness, and contentment into our lives. What better time to relax and fully experience life with all our senses. And what better time to create space for ourselves and loved ones to enjoy some easy-going, leisurely, snuggly days and nights, some hygge time.
A Journal Journey 