By Melanie Nollsch

Hygge (hoo-ga). In recent years I have come to learn the Danish concept of hygge. I felt connection to this notion immediately. Perhaps because of my Scandinavian heritage, the word and its meaning just felt right. Meik Wiking, describes the word in his book The Little Book of Hygge. He says “Hygge is about an atmosphere, an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home.”

As I learned about this concept, I realized I have experienced it in many ways throughout my life. In my early years I recall the warmth of time with family in the kitchen. Hot coffee, tasty food, colorful tablecloths, and wonderful conversations. Coffee time at my grandparent’s kitchen table was hygge. I have many memories of cozy family times centered around the kitchen table long after the coffee or meal was over. Talking, laughing, listening, telling stories while creating family bonds and memories. 

During our college years, my not yet husband often hosted “mellow outs” (so seventies!). We would gather at his place, light candles, cuddle up with blankets and each other and talk for hours and hours. We created a home with our college friends. They became part of our family. 

In our home we have created hyggekrogs (nooks) where we can each cuddle up with a good book, a cozy blanket, and a stack of our favorite things: candles, sketch pads, journals, crossword puzzles, needlework, a cup of coffee. In the summer months the hyggekrog moves outdoors to our cozy patio. We bring our books, favorite items, and enjoy the summer air, nature, and each other. 

Often, I find hygge walking in the woods with my spouse and our Border Collie, Bridget. Being in nature, moving our bodies, chatting, or walking quietly creates a feeling of joy. It is a peaceful, homey feeling. It helps us connect to each other and to creation. After the derecho, part of our recovery was finding healthy woods where we could spend time and know that our woods would heal. Life would continue.

Our sons are grown now and have their own families. We still find ways to create hygge with them by continuing our traditions of time around the table, walks, long talks, playing with the dogs, and quiet afternoons. Sometimes this happens in person, but we have also learned that hygge can be created over Skype! 

Hygge for me means connection, coziness, joy, peace, home. How do you create hygge? In what ways do you foster the feeling of coziness, joy, and loving relationships? Where do you find the “feeling of home”?

Wiking, Meik (2017) The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living, Harper Collins. 

Then my people will live in a peaceful dwelling, in secure homes, in carefree resting places. Isaiah 32:18