10 Ways to Add Hygge to your Autumn

The word hygge first came up on my radar about a year ago. It is a fascinating and charming concept that has been a function of the Danish culture for many years now. Defined, hygge is the feel-good emotion and general contentedness that comes from life’s cozier moments such as a family reading around a fire, a hot bubble bath, or snuggling under a blanket with your kids on a snowy day. It is not the moment itself, but the comforting, feel-good emotions that are taken from them.

Originally, the practice of hygge was adopted as a survival strategy for the Danish culture to help cope with the many long and dark winter days they see in their country. As a side note, they also have adopted a focus on light and white in their beautiful and simple-style décor to offset the cold and dark which you can easily see with a little googling. Meanwhile, other countries have words for similar feelings as well. The Germans have their gemutlichkeitand the Dutch have their gezelligheid, both terms bearing strong resemblance to their Danish cousin, hygge. It was about 2 – 3 years ago that Britain caught onto the hygge phenomenon, and from there it quickly found a stronghold in popular culture worldwide.

Hygge goes worldwide

An unfortunate consequence of this level of popularity often means the dilution of the original idea itself, so it is no surprise that commercialism has watered down the actual meaning. One doesn’t need to buy props such as fuzzy socks and hand-knitted blankets to experience hygge. And one certainly doesn’t need the right décor for hygge. Signe Johansen, author of “Hygge, The Nordic Trend”, says, “Hygge has been reduced to the visual image of cake and candles…it is much more deeply rooted in cultural resilience and making the most of what life has to offer you.” So even as we enjoy hyggelig (the adjective version of hygge) moments it is important to remember the spiritual aspect behind them that reflects contentment in circumstances and making the best of situations.       

The growing popularity of minimalism and hygge-ism could help usher in new changes to help offset our technology-obsessed and materialistic society here in America. As a rule, the Danes don’t focus on material possessions and wealth, but instead prioritize moments in life with those they love. Incidentally, the Danish culture is considered to be the happiest culture on earth. This is a good reminder for all of us to put more emphasis on the important things of life and building relationships with those around us. Additionally, hygge could be a huge benefit to our spiritual character here in the United States by helping us to put more focus on quality time spent with friends and family.

Now, here are 10 cozy ways to make everyday life more special and to help you and your loved ones experience hygge in your life during the fall season: 

10 ways to add hygge to your autumn

1) Have a game night with REAL games and REAL popcorn. Hygge does not involve Candy Crush, phones, and other isolating technology (yes, you can have hygge moments alone, just not using your phone, laptop, etc.). Hygge generally involves interaction with live people doing things together like playing a good game of Scrabble or a rousing game of Hide ‘n Seek in the dark. And when was the last time you made homemade popcorn with real butter (move over powdered butter)? This is something you can enjoy doing with someone else to help be in the moment. 

2) A family book read under a heavy quilt with warm drinks. What could be better than reading “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” aloud on a chilly autumn night while sipping cocoa with big, fat, melty marshmallows? And by the way, have you made marshmallows before? It’s not as hard as you might think, and the kids will love it- another cozy hyggelig moment.

3) An early evening fall walk with a group of friends followed by an international-themed potluck supper to experience a variety of dishes from other countries. We used to  regularly meet with friends and take turns hosting an international dinner. It wasn’t a potluck as the hosts provided the international meal, but it was a lot of fun, and it was how I first tried Russian Pickle soup! ​​

4) Foraging for fall mushrooms with family or friends (and definitely bring someone who knows how to properly identify mushrooms). 

5) Break out the bath salts or bubble bath and enjoy a candlelight bath on a cold night with a glass of wine and Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata in the background because you can be alone and enjoy a hygge moment.

more hygge ideas….

6) An evening by the fire with smores and ghost stories (or any stories). Back to that homemade marshmallow thing… ​​

7) Make rolled beeswax candles because candles are very important to the hygge experience. This is a super easy and a great craft for kids. Candles are highly essential to Danish concept of hygge, and they do burn a lot of candles every year.

8) Invite your best friends over and spend a day baking pumpkin or spice bread while chatting about life. Hint: baking parties are even more fun with a bottle of wine thrown in.

9) Have a caramel apple bar and watch old movies. Spread the table with an assortment of candies, nuts, apples, caramel, and other goodies to make your own caramel apples, and then turn on “Home Alone”.

10) Have an apple tasting party. Since autumn is the season of the apple now is a wonderful time to try some of the many heirloom varieties that exist out there. Head to your local apple orchard and pick up a variety of apples. Have some friends or neighbors over and serve apples with cheese and wine. Make sure to label the various kinds and compare how they taste with the others.

Sources Used:

http://hyggehouse.com/hygge

http://www.countryliving.com/life/a41187/what-is-hygge-things-to-know-about-the-danish-lifestyle-trend/

http://time.com/4579894/hygge-denmark-nordic-trend-survive-2016/

https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34345791

#hyggemoments #hyggetrend #minimalismatfinest #hyggeinautumn #sometymeplace #cozymoments �

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