What the Heck is Hygge?

You’d have had to be pretty well snuggled under a mountain of blankets not to have heard about hygge this winter. Pronounced ‘hue-gah’, it’s all about creating a sense of cosiness, of coming together with friends and family, of revelling in simple pleasures. Think warm, fluffy towels, roaring fires and flickering candles. Think good, honest, home-cooked food, shared with friends.

Hygge isn’t about buying ‘stuff’, whatever the retailers want us to think. You don’t need to spend money to create a sense of hygge. Wrapping up in a snuggly jumper and going for a walk can be hygge, as can catching up with a friend over coffee. It’s about a feeling, not possessions. It’s about being kind to yourself, and to others. You could…

• Curl up in PJs and a snuggly blanket, drink hot chocolate and read a book.
• Light that scented candle you’ve been saving.
• Stop trying to multi-task; turn off your phone and focus on the moment.
• Bake some gooey chocolate chip cookies.
• Invite a neighbour over for a cuppa.
• Send a loved one a letter.
• Soak in a bath with a few drops of aromatherapy oils.
• Explore the great outdoors with your family.
• Turn off your phone.

While fashions come and go, hygge is one trend that’s very much worth indulging in. Enjoy.

By Kate Duggan