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In a time where we are spending more time at home, hygge has been on my mind. Listen to the podcast episode above on hygge at home or read on in the show notes to learn the meaning of hygge. Find out how to bring hygge elements into your home and how to lead a cozy life.
I interviewed Pia Edberg, Author of The Cozy Life: Rediscover the Joy of the Simple Things Through the Danish Concept of Hygge, for the podcast. Listen or read on.
What is Hygge and How Do You Prounounce It
Hygge is pronounced as hoo-ga. It’s a Danish word that doesn’t have an equivalent word in English. Meik Wiking explained Hygge has a rustic coziness, but it’s more than that. It’s feeling physically and emotionally safe, all about the art of creating warmth, comfort, and wellbeing through connection, treasuring the moment and surrounding yourself with things you love. What may be hygge for one person may be completely different for another.
Pia Edberg’s Experience of Hygge
Pia Edberg joined as a guest for Experiences You Should Have Podcast. She was born in Denmark (the happiest country in the world) and grew up with the concept of Hygge. Every time fall and winter came around, her family would make sure to have wood burning in the fireplace. They cooked traditional Danish comfort foods like Aebleskiver and Danish Pancakes. Candles would be lit, they would sing around the Christmas tree and people would show up for tea and cookies. Dressing warm and cozy and spending time in nature was a natural part of her day.
Aebleskiver (Danish Pancake) Recipe
Ebleskiver (Æbleskiver)
Ingredients
Method
- Mix Flour and baking powder. Gradually add milk and buttermilk, beating constantly. Add egg yolks while beating.
- Add caramom, grated lmeon zest, sugar and salt. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold into the batter.
- Brush ebleskiver pan with a little butter (or oil) and heat pan on the stove. Add about 2 T of batter to each cup (until almost full).
- When the aebleskivers begin to bubble around the edges, use a skewer or chopstick to flipit.
- When golden brown, transfer to a serving plate and dust with powdered sugar.
Tips for Bringing Hygge Into Your Life and Home
There are a few things that make a home more cozy aesthetically, but ultimately it’s about creating a feeling of comfort, safety, warmth and connection. You can think about:
- Textures – you want blankets/chairs/pillows to feel soft against your skin, choose textiles that make you want to curl up in them.
- Lighting – low/dim lighting that is warm/yellow is cozy. Light some candles or hang fairy lights. Check out these organic wooden wick candles on Etsy.
- Bringing the outdoors in – We naturally feel calm when we are surrounded by nature, so bring in lots of plants to help you relax, and some crystals, wood, or stone elements.
- Expressing yourself – you want your space to feel like you. Think about your personal style and add elements that make you happy.
- Creating Connection – In the age of digital distraction, it’s important to deliberately create connection and time with our loved ones. While this may be difficult during the pandemic, you can write a letter, Facetime, or spend quality one-on-one time with people in your household.
- Self Care – Think of a candlelit bath or treating your skin with a healing salve while relaxing at home.
Remember that Hygge is not fussy. Think homemade, relaxed, old fashioned. It could be as simple as cross stitching by a fire while wearing some warm cozy socks or reading a good book while sipping on freshly made coffee. If you are staying at home more, now can be the perfect time to embrace Hygge.