Hygge

The Danish concept of warm coziness; it’s creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. (In case you are unclear on pronunciation, it’s pronounced “hoo-gah.”)

By Amanda Rickenbach

Hygge is about atmosphere and experience rather than things. Finding simple ways to spend time with friends and family during the colder seasons might mean morning walks, sharing more candlelight, starting new family traditions (or revisiting old ones), or escaping with friends for a weekend getaway at the coast. It could mean grabbing a blanket and canteen of coffee and visiting a waterfall with your partner, turning on your favorite music and baking cookies with your kids, or spending the morning skiing before ending it with a warm drink, a good book, and a nap. You might bring treats to someone homebound or teach your children to write letters to loved ones. There are many ways to hygge.

Hygge is a way to slow down and enjoy the simple things. The people of Denmark like to say, “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” After the winter we experienced in the Gorge last year, we could all use a lot more hygge as we transition into another cold season.

Add more pillows to your space, stock up on candles, trade childcare with a friend so you can go to a yoga class or curl up in silence with tea and a good book, brush your teeth naked, enjoy the sound and sight of migrating geese or a barge floating down river.

Hygge is the absence of anything annoying or overwhelming; it’s focusing on wellness, self care, and togetherness instead.

Hygge encourages us to do practical things and do them well.