It’s so appropriate that this post goes out today because it’s finally snowing for the first time in the Washington, DC area. Something about this weather makes me want to slow down and appreciate the small things. In other words, I’m ready to get hygge.
What Is Hygge?
Yes, it is a real word, though if you haven’t seen it before, it does look a little weird. Hygge, pronounced “hue-guh” is a Danish concept that has no direct English translation, but it encompasses “coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” It’s considered a defining part of Danish culture, but it’s also seen a surge of interest in pop culture in recent years. There are plenty of articles giving advice for how to hygge—how to create the feeling of coziness. There are books about it, and plenty of Instagram-worthy photos of plush sweaters and roaring fires. At its core, hygge can also be a very frugal feeling to create.
You know that feeling you get, when you’re snuggled in a warm blanket reading a good book? Throw in a cup of hot chocolate, a roaring fire, and snow outside. That’s hygge.
Common Recommended Elements
There are quite a few different things that people have touted as hygge, and this is where the trend can get dangerous. You don’t need a Danish designer candlestick to be hygge. Or a cashmere sweater, or gourmet food. As this trend has percolated into American cultural awareness, there is definitely an attempt to focus on the consumer aspects, but resist that urge! Instead, focus on recreating some of the moments in your life that involve comfort, happiness, and a sense of belonging. Consumer debt is most definitely NOT hygge.
Some things that are considered hyggilige (hygge-like):
Gathering around the fire: TVs aren’t really hygge. Spending time with loved ones is. Especially if there’s a fireplace involved.
Don’t have a fireplace? How about…
Candles: Again, don’t go out and buy candles. But if you have some laying around, consider lighting them in the evening. Maybe light candles on your dinner table while your family eats together. Tragically, I can’t have real candles in my apartment (SunCat may have accidentally lit herself on fire years ago, and I’ll never risk that hilariously terrifying moment again…). However, I do have some adorable battery-operated candles that look remarkably real. I bought them at Costco years ago.That warm glow is really what you’re going for. Speaking of…
Soft Lighting: Think lamps, and no sunlight-mimicking lightbulbs. Softer, warmer light is preferable. Again, this doesn’t mean going out and replacing all of your light fixtures and bulbs. Instead, as bulbs go out, consider changing some of them to lower wattage, softer light options.
The idea is to have pockets of warmth and light to get cozy in. Lamps help with creating those pockets, but that still doesn’t mean you need to spend money. Check out your local Buy Nothing group for fun, quirky lamps that people might be getting rid of. Freecycle is another great option, and if you do decide to spend money, consider buying used. It’s frugal and sustainable that way!
This lighting strategy may not work well in certain areas of the house (think kitchen or bathroom) but would be great in a dining room, living room, etc.
Warm slippers/fuzzy socks: Seriously, what about this doesn’t scream cozy?? I don’t think further elaboration is necessary.
Hand-knit sweaters: I have an amazing oversized sweater that I bought on sale years ago. It’s my favorite thing to snuggle in on a cold evening. Now that I own a onesie (because it was a highly necessary purchase for the Cents Positive retreat), that goes on my list of hygge clothing. In fact, while most of this list is me telling you not to spend money, the exception to that rule is buying a onesie. They should really be required lounge clothing for everyone. You’re welcome in advance.
Pastries: Butter, warm bread, baking. All hygge. Also, spices like cinnamon and cloves. Really, if it brings to mind Christmas dessert, it’s probably hygge. The frugal option here is homemade!
Mulled wine/cider: Again, your whole house smells wonderful, and you’re drinking something warm and comforting, ideally with company.
Anything else that you think should be on this list? It’s certainly not definitive, and I’m definitely not an expert, so let me know if I missed anything.
Focus on the Feeling
At its essence, hygge is actually a very frugal concept. Meik Wiking (it’s pronounced like Viking—how awesome is that??), CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, wrote The Little Book of Hygge*, and he points out that one aspect of hygge is an awareness of the “decoupling between wealth and wellbeing.” Money isn’t the point; it’s a tool. We need to focus instead on the moments and small touches that bring us joy. The people I’ve met in the Financial Independence community are on that path because they want more time to focus on the things that make them happy, including spending time with loved ones. That’s super hygge!
(*side note: I recently joined Amazon’s affiliate program, and I’ll write more about this in Sunday’s post. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There’s no additional cost to you, and I’ll never recommend products that aren’t relevant or things I’ve used myself.)
When I first came across the concept of hygge, the first thing I thought of was how I feel at Christmas with my family. Not when it’s stressful and chaotic, but rather when we’re drinking coffee together in the living room and opening presents, when it’s snowing outside and we’re laughing at something absurd like the cat chasing the wrapping paper balls. It’s how I feel when things are quiet in the evening, and all the lights are off except for the Christmas tree.
But that’s also a feeling that doesn’t have to be tied to a holiday—Christmas is definitely hygge, but I’m making an effort to carry that feeling into the rest of winter. To focus on the good things about the season, which is important during a time of year where Seasonal Affective Disorder can sneak up on you. I am not in any way suggesting that candles and fuzzy socks can cure depression. But I do think there’s something to be said for leaning into a season’s strengths.
Winter is good at bringing people together for introspection—we’re less distracted by travel, and outdoor activities and events. Yes, it’s hard when it’s cold and damp and dark at 5pm. But it’s also lovely when decorative lights are out, and everything smells like cinnamon, and I can bake without throwing my A/C into overdrive. Something about winter makes me want to slow down and appreciate little things. I’m just glad that now I have a word for that.
