Author Topic: How do you Hygge?  (Read 9637 times)

begood

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How do you Hygge?
« on: December 09, 2016, 08:38:03 AM »
While searching out tips for dealing with my annual dread of winter, I came across a blog post about the Danish concept of "Hygge" (pronounced "hoo-gah").

The author writes, "Originating from a Norwegian word meaning ‘well-being’, the definition of Hygge is somewhat open to interpretation – at its simplest, it means a sense of cosiness, but this is only a fraction of it’s entirety. In practice, Hygge is a far more holistic approach to creating a sense of community, connection, and warmth; inviting closeness, and caring for ourselves & each other – it’s a feeling of balance cultivated in the spirit of ‘being’ not ‘having’, and an ethos that life should be savoured not survived…"

Here's the link: http://www.lapinblu.com/everyday-spruce-5-ways-hygge-away-winter-blues/

It turns out I've already been doing some Hyggeish things -- for example, trying new hot teas, burning seasonal-smelling candles, walking with my buddies outside even when it's cold, and making time to read under a soft, heavy blanket.

The whole concept feels very Mustachian to me, and I would love to hear if and how others are trying to incorporate Hygge into their winter life.

So... if winter just isn't your season, what are things you do to make it bearable?

Moustachienne

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #1 on: December 09, 2016, 10:04:18 AM »
If you're up for a long read while curled up by the fire wearing hand knit socks and sipping hot cocoa... you might be interested in this in depth look at the UK hygge fad and its complicated undertones in Denmark.

  https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/nov/22/hygge-conspiracy-denmark-cosiness-trend

I think the key to handling and maybe even enjoying winter is to realistically prep for it: snow tires and emergency kit in the car if you have to drive; good boots and outerwear so going outside isn't a pain; flexible scheduling if possible and informed anticipation so weather events aren't a crisis.  Basically, don't fight it, join it.  And lights, lots of lights - fires in the hearth, candles, twinklers,.!

UnleashHell

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #2 on: December 09, 2016, 10:06:27 AM »
i'm in florida.

With a half Danish wife.

she's hoping it gets cold enough to break out the candles!!!  me, not so much!

Greenback Reproduction Specialist

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #3 on: December 09, 2016, 12:44:01 PM »
I like to put on a sweater then go out in my cold dark garage with a hot cup of coffee, fire up the old perfection kerosene heater, turn on a bunch of task lights, and tinker with things while listening to talk radio.

Lately I learned to make cool rings from coins, pretty fun stuff. Even earns a little extra spending cash.

Doesn't get much better than that : )

begood

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #4 on: December 09, 2016, 12:56:26 PM »
If you're up for a long read while curled up by the fire wearing hand knit socks and sipping hot cocoa... you might be interested in this in depth look at the UK hygge fad and its complicated undertones in Denmark.

  https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/nov/22/hygge-conspiracy-denmark-cosiness-trend

I think the key to handling and maybe even enjoying winter is to realistically prep for it: snow tires and emergency kit in the car if you have to drive; good boots and outerwear so going outside isn't a pain; flexible scheduling if possible and informed anticipation so weather events aren't a crisis.  Basically, don't fight it, join it.  And lights, lots of lights - fires in the hearth, candles, twinklers,.!

Moustachienne, that was a fascinating article! I read the whole thing. I definitely feel the desire to "turn inward" and the deep need for harmony in my inner circle, but I can see the "complicated undertones" that could lead to a perception that hygge could lend itself to nationalist sentiment and rejection of dissent and "otherness." Really interesting to read all those different perspectives. The blog post I linked above is from a British site (which I can tell from the spelling of "cosiness"). I don't think the idea has been embraced in the US the way it has in the UK. The word wasn't completely unfamiliar to me, but I had no idea it had gained so much popularity in the UK.

Having read about how some far-right politicians in Denmark have co-opted the concept to underscore anti-immigrant sentiment, I'm tempted to revise my subject line, but I'm not sure to what. I don't want anyone to think that is what I'm promoting. I do still find that some of the tenets of hygge - the emphasis on community and connection over consumerism, for example - really resonate with me.

begood

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #5 on: December 09, 2016, 12:58:59 PM »
i'm in florida.

With a half Danish wife.

she's hoping it gets cold enough to break out the candles!!!  me, not so much!

Ha! Come north, UnleashHell! Our long-range forecast includes almost a full week of snow/rain/sleet in varying degrees.

And remember, it doesn't have to be cold for candles; it just has to be dark.

begood

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #6 on: December 09, 2016, 01:02:37 PM »
I like to put on a sweater then go out in my cold dark garage with a hot cup of coffee, fire up the old perfection kerosene heater, turn on a bunch of task lights, and tinker with things while listening to talk radio.

Lately I learned to make cool rings from coins, pretty fun stuff. Even earns a little extra spending cash.

Doesn't get much better than that : )

That does indeed sound pretty awesome, Greenback Reproduction Specialist.

I have beat back some of my primal fear of the dark with... light. A forehead-smacking idea, but now when I go out at night, I put the floodlights on around the house. As I'm driving up, it's soooo welcoming and warm looking, and I don't worry (so much... anymore) about Things jumping out of the dark at me. The peace of mind is worth the cost of electricity.

mm1970

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #7 on: December 09, 2016, 01:07:06 PM »
i'm in florida.

With a half Danish wife.

she's hoping it gets cold enough to break out the candles!!!  me, not so much!
I'm in Southern California
With a half-Danish husband
It finally got cold enough for soup?

Greenback Reproduction Specialist

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #8 on: December 09, 2016, 01:09:09 PM »
lol ok, so about half way through reading the article... lol I should have read the article before my reply.... my first reply obviously has nothing to do with the article lol, wow!

My initial thought is, Havent these people ever heard of "Sunset Magazine"?

Greenback Reproduction Specialist

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #9 on: December 09, 2016, 01:14:43 PM »
I like to put on a sweater then go out in my cold dark garage with a hot cup of coffee, fire up the old perfection kerosene heater, turn on a bunch of task lights, and tinker with things while listening to talk radio.

Lately I learned to make cool rings from coins, pretty fun stuff. Even earns a little extra spending cash.

Doesn't get much better than that : )

That does indeed sound pretty awesome, Greenback Reproduction Specialist.

I have beat back some of my primal fear of the dark with... light. A forehead-smacking idea, but now when I go out at night, I put the floodlights on around the house. As I'm driving up, it's soooo welcoming and warm looking, and I don't worry (so much... anymore) about Things jumping out of the dark at me. The peace of mind is worth the cost of electricity.

Yes definitely, I too have noticed how much "light" has an impact. I first became aware of how much I took it for granted when we were living offgrid for 2 years. You know you've been off grid to long when you walk into a dark room, and your reflex is to reach for your headlamp instead of a wall switch. On the other hand, there is nothing like walking in the forest on a full moon night when the ground is covered in snow. Light is such an amazing thing.... Its so warm and inviting on dark winter nights.

We are about to find the hippies hiding among us, you just wait, they are going to come out of the wood work on this thread lol.
« Last Edit: December 09, 2016, 01:17:41 PM by Greenback Reproduction Specialist »

begood

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #10 on: December 09, 2016, 01:20:40 PM »
lol ok, so about half way through reading the article... lol I should have read the article before my reply.... my first reply obviously has nothing to do with the article lol, wow!

My initial thought is, Havent these people ever heard of "Sunset Magazine"?

I disagree, GRS! Your sweater, hot coffee, kerosene stove, task lights, and puttering sound like a perfect hygge evening to me. :)

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #11 on: December 09, 2016, 01:28:33 PM »
lol ok, so about half way through reading the article... lol I should have read the article before my reply.... my first reply obviously has nothing to do with the article lol, wow!

My initial thought is, Havent these people ever heard of "Sunset Magazine"?

I disagree, GRS! Your sweater, hot coffee, kerosene stove, task lights, and puttering sound like a perfect hygge evening to me. :)

lol I agree parts of it are the "H" word,

After reading the article though, I now see error of my ways. I actually should be dragging my whole family into the garage with me, lighting candles instead of spot lights, and talking instead of doing "things".... Especially things that might be seen as productive and possibly earn me some money. Lol JK, I cant help make fun of this subject just a little....

Oh I've got so many hippie jokes pent up inside me right now lol.

Does anyone else feel like the "H" word kind of seems have the same values and meanings that Christmas is supposed to have?

Moustachienne

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #12 on: December 09, 2016, 01:50:50 PM »
I like to put on a sweater then go out in my cold dark garage with a hot cup of coffee, fire up the old perfection kerosene heater, turn on a bunch of task lights, and tinker with things while listening to talk radio.

Lately I learned to make cool rings from coins, pretty fun stuff. Even earns a little extra spending cash.

Doesn't get much better than that : )

You've described my husband's perfect hygge experience - solitary tinkering in the garage, radio in the background, and the kerosene heater I won't let him light in the basement because of the smell.  Nothing makes him feel cosier.  :).

At first I thought this WAS  him posting, but the details are just enough different.  Whew. Hahaha.

Moustachienne

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #13 on: December 09, 2016, 02:00:52 PM »
If you're up for a long read while curled up by the fire wearing hand knit socks and sipping hot cocoa... you might be interested in this in depth look at the UK hygge fad and its complicated undertones in Denmark.

  https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/nov/22/hygge-conspiracy-denmark-cosiness-trend

I think the key to handling and maybe even enjoying winter is to realistically prep for it: snow tires and emergency kit in the car if you have to drive; good boots and outerwear so going outside isn't a pain; flexible scheduling if possible and informed anticipation so weather events aren't a crisis.  Basically, don't fight it, join it.  And lights, lots of lights - fires in the hearth, candles, twinklers,.!

Moustachienne, that was a fascinating article! I read the whole thing. I definitely feel the desire to "turn inward" and the deep need for harmony in my inner circle, but I can see the "complicated undertones" that could lead to a perception that hygge could lend itself to nationalist sentiment and rejection of dissent and "otherness." Really interesting to read all those different perspectives. The blog post I linked above is from a British site (which I can tell from the spelling of "cosiness"). I don't think the idea has been embraced in the US the way it has in the UK. The word wasn't completely unfamiliar to me, but I had no idea it had gained so much popularity in the UK.

Having read about how some far-right politicians in Denmark have co-opted the concept to underscore anti-immigrant sentiment, I'm tempted to revise my subject line, but I'm not sure to what. I don't want anyone to think that is what I'm promoting. I do still find that some of the tenets of hygge - the emphasis on community and connection over consumerism, for example - really resonate with me.

Yes, I agree that there are a lot of appealing things about hygge or our local versions.  Good to make sure that our comforting rituals are inclusive and not exclusive in the larger society or even on the smaller scale , i.e. in our willingness to let others into our social groups. People moving to new cities, let alone new countries, would be glad for some openness there!

Hockey is a shared, comforting Canadian ritual.  How cool that you can also watch games and get play by play in Punjabi and other languages. Hygge+

Greenback Reproduction Specialist

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #14 on: December 09, 2016, 02:06:24 PM »
I like to put on a sweater then go out in my cold dark garage with a hot cup of coffee, fire up the old perfection kerosene heater, turn on a bunch of task lights, and tinker with things while listening to talk radio.

Lately I learned to make cool rings from coins, pretty fun stuff. Even earns a little extra spending cash.

Doesn't get much better than that : )

You've described my husband's perfect hygge experience - solitary tinkering in the garage, radio in the background, and the kerosene heater I won't let him light in the basement because of the smell.  Nothing makes him feel cosier.  :).

At first I thought this WAS  him posting, but the details are just enough different.  Whew. Hahaha.

Haha that's pretty funny : )

Its pretty tough to beat radiant heat in the winter.... I'm not a fan of central air, I really miss the woodstove of our offgrid cabin.... So I just recently got the kerosene heater.

Radiant heat is the best Hygge bang for your buck you can get!

VladTheImpaler

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #15 on: December 09, 2016, 02:18:45 PM »
Great thread!
My favorite part of the Guardian article was:

"råhygge, which means, literally, to raw-hygge, that is, to enjoy strong, or authentic hygge; to hygge with someone might mean to have a certain kind of sex..."

Any Norwegian girls wanna raw-hygge by the fire all winter long?

Moustachienne

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #16 on: December 09, 2016, 02:58:39 PM »
Great thread!
My favorite part of the Guardian article was:

"råhygge, which means, literally, to raw-hygge, that is, to enjoy strong, or authentic hygge; to hygge with someone might mean to have a certain kind of sex..."

Any Norwegian girls wanna raw-hygge by the fire all winter long?

It's not supposed to rhyme with "jiggy" but I can't help but think that I'm "getting hygge wit' it" when I light candles, etc. "råhygge" is definitely about getting jiggy in the original meaning.  Good luck with your invitation. :)

DragonSlayer

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #17 on: December 09, 2016, 04:24:57 PM »
I think we do hygge pretty much all year and we were doing it long before we even knew it was a "thing." We hang out at home, soft lights, watch movies (but no "stressful" tv like the news), play board games together, talk, eat home cooked food, work on home improvement projects together, pursue our hobbies or crafts, wear comfy clothes, and don't run ourselves ragged going "out" all the time.

Lagom

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #18 on: December 09, 2016, 04:36:49 PM »
Nice thread! "Hygge" is one of my favorite difficult to translate words. "Lagom" (also Scandinavian) is another :)

For me, hygge is all about family. Me, DW, son and daughter snuggled on the couch reading a book. Low burning fire in the fireplace, our dog curled at our feet.

And although I love my children and they bring me much joy, sometimes even better is for me and my wife to cuddle on the couch alone, the rain drumming on the roof above, the heater set just low enough that we need each other's warmth for comfort. Dreaming about the future while savoring the moment, all the same.
« Last Edit: December 09, 2016, 04:39:30 PM by Lagom »

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #19 on: December 10, 2016, 04:28:05 AM »
I read about hygge in a book I read recently. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23282062-the-year-of-living-danishly

I always light scented candles and use fairy lights in the evenings all year round. I have a blankets on my chair, drink tea, make hot soup and get cosy in the winter months. I love the feeling of being indoors when it is chilly outside.:)

begood

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #20 on: December 10, 2016, 06:52:34 AM »
Good to hear how others "hygge". :)

Last night we had spontaneous hygge with friends over a game of Codenames, peppermint bark, hard cider for some and Christmas in Paris herbal tea for others. It felt festive and close and perfect.

begood

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #21 on: December 10, 2016, 11:56:22 AM »
Nice thread! "Hygge" is one of my favorite difficult to translate words. "Lagom" (also Scandinavian) is another :)

For me, hygge is all about family. Me, DW, son and daughter snuggled on the couch reading a book. Low burning fire in the fireplace, our dog curled at our feet.

And although I love my children and they bring me much joy, sometimes even better is for me and my wife to cuddle on the couch alone, the rain drumming on the roof above, the heater set just low enough that we need each other's warmth for comfort. Dreaming about the future while savoring the moment, all the same.

Lagom, what does "lagom" loosely translate to?

Lagom

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #22 on: December 10, 2016, 12:23:19 PM »
Nice thread! "Hygge" is one of my favorite difficult to translate words. "Lagom" (also Scandinavian) is another :)

For me, hygge is all about family. Me, DW, son and daughter snuggled on the couch reading a book. Low burning fire in the fireplace, our dog curled at our feet.

And although I love my children and they bring me much joy, sometimes even better is for me and my wife to cuddle on the couch alone, the rain drumming on the roof above, the heater set just low enough that we need each other's warmth for comfort. Dreaming about the future while savoring the moment, all the same.

Lagom, what does "lagom" loosely translate to?

The closest single word is "enough," but more accurate is "just the right amount." As in, no more and no less than what is needed. Or in Three Bears terms, "just right." I find it to be a quintessentially mustachian concept, which is why I adopted the username for this forum. :)
« Last Edit: December 10, 2016, 12:28:34 PM by Lagom »

begood

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #23 on: December 10, 2016, 12:25:17 PM »
Nice thread! "Hygge" is one of my favorite difficult to translate words. "Lagom" (also Scandinavian) is another :)

For me, hygge is all about family. Me, DW, son and daughter snuggled on the couch reading a book. Low burning fire in the fireplace, our dog curled at our feet.

And although I love my children and they bring me much joy, sometimes even better is for me and my wife to cuddle on the couch alone, the rain drumming on the roof above, the heater set just low enough that we need each other's warmth for comfort. Dreaming about the future while savoring the moment, all the same.

Lagom, what does "lagom" loosely translate to?

The closest single word is "enough," but more accurate is "just the right amount." As in, no more and more less than what is needed. Or in Three Bears terms, "just right." I find it to be a quintessentially mustachian concept, which is why I adopted the username for this forum. :)

I love that, Lagom. I'm always attracted to symmetry, and the symmetry of "just right" is super appealing to me. Not too much, not too little. Just right. Beautiful.

cdttmm

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #24 on: December 31, 2016, 07:00:18 AM »
I'm a little late to this thread, but not to the hygge party. I can relate to so many of the things already written about in this thread.

I like to hygge with a hot beverage. Usually hot green tea, but also hot apple cider or hot cocoa (the good stuff, no Swiss Miss packaged crap here!). There's a basket full of blankets in the living room: down or fleece. And there are plenty to choose from so that you can warm yourself in whatever way you like. Hunkering down to watch a movie or TV show with a cat or two on my lap. Or surrounded by dogs on the couch. Warm, chunky socks and comfortable hooded sweatshirts for hanging around the house. Venturing outside dressed in layers of appropriate winter gear to shovel snow, load the outdoor wood boiler, play with the dogs, snowshoe, cross country ski, hike, etc. Doing all of these things at night with a headlamp when the world is quiet and dark so that you can really savor the beauty and the experience. Getting up before the sun rises in the darkest days of winter so that I can watch the world as night turns to day and enjoy every moment of sunlight that we get.

begood

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #25 on: December 31, 2016, 09:27:03 AM »
Love all your hygge ways, cdttmm!

Last night we sat by the lit tree, read books, ate cheese, and had the patter of the bowl games on as background noise. Truly my idea of the perfect evening. :)

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #26 on: January 01, 2017, 07:36:24 AM »
I love going for walks on days in the 20s and 30's. The crisp air....idk there just seems to be a freshness to it and I don't sweat! Im talking longer walks as well. I also like to sit, drink something warm and watch the weather channel sitting near our old fashion gas FP. Pretty much start everyday that way. At night I crack the window ever so slightly and get the room as cool as possible for sleep as I like the cool and the weight of the blankets on because i dont like to sleep with a shirt on.

FIRE Artist

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #27 on: January 01, 2017, 11:08:02 AM »
This is how I do it.



[attachment deleted by admin]
« Last Edit: January 01, 2017, 11:21:08 AM by FIRE Artist »

begood

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #28 on: January 01, 2017, 11:27:25 AM »

Erica

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #29 on: January 01, 2017, 04:45:04 PM »
We went hiking in the rain. It's fun when you have a large cup of cocoa.

We wore rubber pants and boots. The air smelled really nice and we saw salamandars we normally wouldn't have

They were beautiful. It's much less crowded too.

Then we really appreciate the hot bath and shower afterwards.

we then curled up and watched a movie


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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #30 on: January 01, 2017, 07:17:24 PM »
Timely thread. As I close in on hanging up the hat, sometimes I think about the sacrifices made to accomplish my goals. I live in arguably one of the coldest places in the lower 48 and regularly hold my own against coastal Alaska. As I sit here looking out at the snow that does not melt and painfully anticipate a full week of highs in the single digits or below zero, I ask how I am doing in this area. When temps drop well below zero for multiple days on end my mind spends more time projecting happiness into the future, a known fools game.

I live alone thousands of miles from any family and have few friends some the result of location, some the result of personality/choices. Winter in long in these parts and the part about spring approaching made me smile as no such thing occurs in this area until mid-late May if you are fortunate.

I have a pretty healthy dose of grit and take care of myself by running and snowshoeing in the mountains when temps rise to the vicinity of 20 degrees or so. Sometimes it takes lots of effort to go out and dig out the car or just allow the sunshine to touch the few parts of exposed skin. Everything takes longer but fortunately life is not complex, rushed or hurried in these parts. After a while you kind of become one with the ice and learn it well and stay prepared with proper tires, clothing and a real understanding that the elements could end your life. Another 3-5 inches is expected overnight.

I find regular gratitude sessions and breathing/mediating to be key to the journey. I am afforded plenty of sunshine even if the air is frigid in the intermountain west. This is no small blessing. Finding balance and leaving when overwhelmed is critical. The miracle of modern air flight still amazes me. This time of year I choose to be more intentional in my relationships as a reminder of those things that matter most. Cooking and keeping a clean simple space as well as learning to let my body rest when I need to have gone a long way toward stabilizing my mood. Sometimes shoveling 5-700 feet of snow on a cold sunny day is just what you need whether the sidewalk actually does or not at the very least you will declare your defiance to the snows that rage against your small corner of the world.

At some point when I leave the great frozen north, I think even places like Denver and Salt Lake will appear mild and I will be even the more grateful.

LadyStache in Baja

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #31 on: January 01, 2017, 07:40:36 PM »
I would love a hot beverage but I'm literally too lazy to make myself tea. what is wrong with me??

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #32 on: January 02, 2017, 08:25:44 AM »
As a full blood dane I would invite you all to enjoy our concept.

Hygge comes in many shapes and sizes. It's most commonly a social thing with 2 or more people. But you can hygge alone if your wife is out for the night.

The good thing about hygge is that it's a very flexible activity, examples of hygge can be:

1. Rosé wine around a garden table on a summer afternoon
2. Hot drink and a fireplace when it's cold outside.
3. Any social activity that brings peace, rest and relaxation to any social group.

And you all need this danish word (optionally the entire sentence) as well: Hvor har vi det hyggeligt..

Loosely translated: This is really hyggeligt....

Hyggeligt means that the hygge-session is in full swing. Commonly used to compliment a host on his/her skill in making a good hygge-session.

begood

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #33 on: January 02, 2017, 10:03:38 AM »
Thank you for chiming in, mwulff! Love hearing your perspective and getting the lingo correct.

And LadyStache in Baja, go make yourself some dang tea! It's just heating up water and throwing in a bag! ;)

WYOGO and Erica, thank you for sharing! I think I would shrivel up and die in climates like those. Good thing Pennsylvania is the new North Carolina - I remember this rainy January thing very well from our decades in NC.

joonifloofeefloo

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #34 on: January 02, 2017, 10:26:51 AM »
I am more about Hygge than anything else in life :)

My main ways:
  • lighting that is "warm"/soft/low: changing lightbulbs from one kind to another makes all the difference in coziness and my happiness!
  • fairy lights
  • creamy teas with honey: Stash double spice chai, etc
  • piles of colourful, handmade quilts: two of us have 12!!
  • fuzzy fabrics: socks, hoodies
  • minimalism, tidiness, and cleanliness: picture perfect fills me with relaxation and joy
  • warm ambient colours: in wall paint, in mugs, in candles
  • sneakily turning off all the excess lighting on the larger property, so I come home to pitch black, then just the moon or fairy lights
  • trudging through the fluffy or crunchy snow, listening to the owls, catching the fresh air, then reentering the warmth and containment of the indoors
  • creating and hosting events with the cozy lighting, tea, and warmth; hugging people there
  • participating in community stuff that does Hygge vs fluorescent
This year I added that thin thermal wear to my schtick. That with the fuzzy layer helps me feel very cozy.
« Last Edit: January 02, 2017, 10:38:39 AM by Joon »

Mrs. Pomodoro

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #35 on: March 14, 2017, 01:14:37 PM »
If you're up for a long read while curled up by the fire wearing hand knit socks and sipping hot cocoa... you might be interested in this in depth look at the UK hygge fad and its complicated undertones in Denmark.

  https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/nov/22/hygge-conspiracy-denmark-cosiness-trend

I think the key to handling and maybe even enjoying winter is to realistically prep for it: snow tires and emergency kit in the car if you have to drive; good boots and outerwear so going outside isn't a pain; flexible scheduling if possible and informed anticipation so weather events aren't a crisis.  Basically, don't fight it, join it.  And lights, lots of lights - fires in the hearth, candles, twinklers,.!

Finally finished reading the article sitting on my reading list. Love it so much that I have to reply and thank you for sharing, Moustachienne! Fascinating perspective and so different from what's being portraited on, say, Instagram. Thank you!

Moustachienne

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #36 on: March 15, 2017, 11:02:19 AM »
If you're up for a long read while curled up by the fire wearing hand knit socks and sipping hot cocoa... you might be interested in this in depth look at the UK hygge fad and its complicated undertones in Denmark.

  https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/nov/22/hygge-conspiracy-denmark-cosiness-trend

I think the key to handling and maybe even enjoying winter is to realistically prep for it: snow tires and emergency kit in the car if you have to drive; good boots and outerwear so going outside isn't a pain; flexible scheduling if possible and informed anticipation so weather events aren't a crisis.  Basically, don't fight it, join it.  And lights, lots of lights - fires in the hearth, candles, twinklers,.!

Finally finished reading the article sitting on my reading list. Love it so much that I have to reply and thank you for sharing, Moustachienne! Fascinating perspective and so different from what's being portraited on, say, Instagram. Thank you!

Glad you enjoyed it!  I was surprised to see this topic bump up again but it was timely.  Not feeling super hygge at the end of a long, dark, rainy winter so it was fun to review how cosy we all felt a few months ago.  :)   Today is sunny-ish and the snowdrops and crocusses are up.  Spring is its own hygge!

begood

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #37 on: March 15, 2017, 11:33:13 AM »
We got our first real snow of the season yesterday! Drifting snow and accumulating sleet - oh joy.

So we turned on our twinkle lights, made hot tea, watched basketball on TV and made it through the night. ;)

It helps that it's already daylight savings, the kid is on spring break so we can sleep in, and hello, it's MARCH 15 - spring will not be too far away.

jrhampt

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Re: How do you Hygge?
« Reply #38 on: March 15, 2017, 07:11:06 PM »
Got at least a foot yesterday.

Fireplace, yankee candle, wine, hot home cooked meal,  husband, cat, large comfy sectional sofa, stack of library books, and the failing New York Times.