Hygge, pronounced (Hue-gah) is a Danish word originally derived from an Old Norwegian word meaning well-being and protection from the outside elements. Denmark has notoriously cold, long winters. The concept of hygge has been used by Danish people to help mentally combat the brutally dark, relentless winter season and fill their homes with comfort and love. Hygge is a word that is so important to the Danes it’s often used to describe what their culture is all about. Hygge is not necessarily something specific that you can buy, because it’s more of a feeling than a possession. Hygge really is the epitome of Danish living, and in the last five years the concept of hygge has made its way to the US, UK and many other countries and become extremely popular and trendy.
I came across the concept of hygge when one of my sons got a Saturday job in Ikea. We visited Norway and Denmark in the summer and can imagine that it must be very different to be there in winter. one year, we spent new year in Austria when it was very cold and snowy and really appreciate the cosy atmosphere in our rented flat.
A hygge Christmas is all about peaceful, quiet and cozy surroundings
Hygge can widely be described as a feeling of cosiness, comfort, familiarity, friendship, laughter and seasonal homemade food and drinks. Although it’s possible to achieve hygge any time of the year (an outdoor BBQ with friends or a film under the stars with family are perfectly good examples of summertime hygge). Hygge is generally associated with the colder months because if it’s ability to uplift spirits during dark, long winter months. Hygge is perfect for the upcoming Christmas season because it’s all about peaceful, cosy surroundings that fill you with the feeling of contentment. Here are a few, simple ways you can bring hygge into your home this Christmas.
5 hacks to bring hygge into your home
Host family and friends – The holidays bring so many opportunities to host get-togethers for your loved ones. Be sure not to stress over these gatherings, hygge parties are relaxed and friendly.
Warm lighting – in order to achieve a great sense of hygge, be sure to light some candles or set up some fairy lights. Warm lightning is essential for a holiday hygge vibe.
Cosy textiles, – get out all of those soft, fluffy blankets and have them available on the couch or chairs and by the windows, so that you can easily cuddle up with your favorite book and relax.
Decorate your bedrooms – If you have family or friends staying this Christmas remember to get their bedrooms Christmas ready. You could decorate a small tree and leave a stocking at the end of their bed.
Home cooking and baking – cooking some traditional Christmas meals and treats will help bring hygge into your home. Comfort foods like, gingerbread, mince pies, Christmas pudding will waft soul-warming scents throughout the air, making your home feel cosy and cared for.
Go cut a tree for a hygge family experience
The nature of the holiday season provides so many fun and satisfying hygge opportunities. From cooking or baking family recipes to holiday films, there are various ways to achieve that cosy hygge feeling we long for, especially at Christmas. A favourite family hygge tradition is picking out and cutting down your own tree. There’s really nothing else that feels more like the Christmas spirit than decorating your tree while you eat gingerbread biscuits and sip hot chocolate.
Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III introduced the Christmas tree to England in 1800. Charlotte brought the tradition from her native Germany where it was the custom to decorate a yew tree. The Victorians decorated their trees with candles, sweets and dried fruit. The made ornaments from pinecones straw and paper. The first manufactured tree decorations were sold in Woolworths in 1860.
Maybe you live in an area where the traditional Christmas fir tree grows in abundance, and you are able to go and pick one out easily. The forestry commission sells locally grown trees to raise funds to protect British woodlands and wildlife. If not, cut-your-own-tree farms are increasingly popular. Chances are there is one within driving distance from your home. If that’s not the case either, a tree from the local supermarket or an artificial tree will do just fine. It’s truly less about the tree and more about the experience. Once you have decided where you will get your tree from, it’s time to gather up the family. Get dressed and head to the tree farm. Remember to wear warm sweaters to help you all stay cosy. Decide what shape and size of tree will work best in your home. Have fun cutting it down together and strapping it to the top of your car to make the drive with your tree back home.
Decorating the tree
Once you and your Christmas tree arrive home, decorating it as a family is definitely part of the hygge experience. Wrap the tree with warm coloured fairy lights and some simple decorations. A perfectly decorated tree is not the goal of this tradition, rather a tree that is put up with love, laughter and family memories is. To further the hygge, light some candles around your home, add in some freshly baked Christmas snacks, hot cocoa, and maybe some of your favorite Christmas music. Making memories by cutting down your own tree and decorating it together every year really adds to the holiday fun and the feeling of hygge, as well as sets the tone for a warm, family Christmas.
Another way to make your home smell amazing for the holidays is with fresh greenery. Use of a freshly cut fir tree, a fresh wreath or some branches from an aromatic evergreen are great ways to keep your hygge home smelling and feeling joyful. Look for some of the best smelling evergreens, which are the Scotch pine, Douglas fir, white spruce and Noble fir trees.
Last, but not least, baking homemade holiday treats always keeps your home filled with sweet and savory scents. Not only is baking and cooking seasonal treats a perfect hygge activity, it ensures your home smells good, naturally. If you have any traditional Christmas family recipes, those will work great. Or start a sweet-smelling traditional recipe of your own with your loved ones. No matter which route you take, keep your home smelling festive for a relaxing hygge Christmas.
Hygge holidays are even better when comfort foods are used to spread the holiday cheer. Gifting your favorite homemade holiday treats will surely bring a smile to anyone’s face. Cookies, pies and holiday fudge are all great choices for gift giving. Wrap them up in some festive wrapping paper for transport and add in a handwritten Christmas card. Comfort meals are also a very thoughtful gift, especially when given to a friend or loved one who leads a super busy lifestyle. What a better gift than to not have to worry about what to make for dinner that night? Comfort foods like lasagna, soups and casseroles tend to travel well and reheat with ease. Christmas cheer is always enriched with gracious gift giving.