Exploring Hygge

Welcome back! I took a little hiatus from this blog, as I have been focusing more on my prayer blog over the past several months. <https://prayingforourworld.blogspot.com>

Today, I'd like to introduce you to the concept of "hygge". This is an Danish word without an exact translation in English, but words like "comfort", "coziness", "security", and "intimacy" all hit close to it. We'll look at how to say hygge, what it is, what it isn't, and resources for further investigation into hygge.

Firstly, pronunciation. Hygge is pronounced "hoo-ga" or "hew-gah". When in doubt, listen to it said at Google Translate or Youtube.

Secondly, what is hygge? Hygge describes activities, the simple pleasures of life.

*Hygge is a pot of soup simmering while bread bakes in the oven. 
*It is a hot beverage sipped while reading a book. It is a candle (preferably unscented according to the Danes) lit nearby. 
*It is cozy socks, sweaters, blankets, and more. 
*It is quality time spent with friends, family, and other loved ones, without the distraction of technology. 
*It is a campfire on a fall evening. 
*It is a game played together. 

*It is a simple meal made with friends as we visit and catch up.
*It is about slowing down and appreciating the simple pleasures in life.

Thirdly, what is hygge NOT? Hygge is not stressful, distasteful tasks. 
*Filing taxes is definitely not hygge. 

*Scrolling through the toxic, vicious environment currently on social media is not hygge.

*Serving a fancy dinner that keeps you from visiting with your guests is not hygge.
*Cleaning the toilet is not hygge (but it still should be done regularly!).

Fourthly, there are a plethora of books, articles, and other resources about hygge. Do a search for e-books and audiobooks about hygge at your local library. Check out different articles and blogposts about it.

In a world that encourages us to buy more, do more, and achieve more, I found hygge refreshing and thrilling. We don't need to buy more to appreciate what we already have. We don't need to host an elaborate meal with friends; a pot of soup and bread is just as good to better focus on our guests. 

What activities do you enjoy that are hygge? 
What is a hyggeligt (hygge-like) activity that you want to try?
What are ways that we can simplify our schedules to better enjoy this concept of hygge?

What can we do to unplug from technology for an hour, a day, or a weekend?