Book Review: The Little Book of Hygge
It’s pronounced:
HOO-gah
If you’re looking for a sweet and simple read as you cozy up this winter, I highly recommend The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking.
For a brief summary, listen to the video. But I’ll expand on the main topics here and why I think this is a must-have for the bookshelf or coffee table in your home.
The book explains why the Danish are some of the happiest people in the world, even though their winters are blanketed with darkness. How do they do this? They consistently practice hygge - which they explain as a feeling or mood - that involves being cozy, relaxed, and in community with ones you love. Because of this, they’re able to enjoy their cold and blustery winters and actually enjoy the harshest season.
“Hygge. You don’t spell it, you feel it.”
So how can we take this Danish practice and integrate it into our own cold and dark Nebraska winter nights? Here are some strategies Wiking shares that invite the feeling of warmth and well-being into your space.
Because of the prolonged darkness, practice inviting warm light into your rooms. Light candles, dim lights, even Christmas lights bring a twinkle to our space. Enjoy the sunlight of the daytime (and spend time outside!) but also create an environment that feels like a warm hug. Candles don’t need to be fancy or expensive, they simply need to bring a glow.
Enjoy indulgences and embrace the sweets. Danes are some of the highest consumers of baked goods and chocolate and do so without diet culture or shame. Take this time of year to mindfully consume your favorite recipes and treats - whether that’s your grandmother’s raspberry cheesecake or a delicious cup of cocoa with extra whipped cream!
Spend time together. It’s easy to isolate in the winter, but one of the main points of living a hygge lifestyle is that we share in the season with others. But this doesn’t need to be big and social and loud. Inviting others over for a simple dinner gathering or to play a card game is hygge. It’s about sharing the simple moments with people we love.
Making your home as comfy cozy as can be. Create spaces in your home that make you feel safe, calm, and comforted. Use blankets and pillows, candles and lamps, and any other items that bring joy. Don’t feel like you need to be rushing all over town, enjoy the serene stillness of your own home. Living in hygge doesn’t mean we have to spend a lot of money, we can enjoy what we already have and can settle in knowing our homes bring us peace.
It’s pretty simple isn’t it? You probably do a lot of these things already, but naming it as hygge can help us be even more intentional in our winter resting. Look at how nature follows the seasons - our bodies are not meant to live in an endless summer. We’re allowed to retreat, to rest, and to enjoy quiet peacefulness with a cozy cup of coffee in hand.
The book is a quick read and can easily be read in a day. With great infographics and pictures, Wiking paints the picture of what living hygge really feels like. Read this book with your kids and family or gift to a friend. Even the act of sharing a book is quite hygge!
Looking for more information on The Little Book of Hygge? Check out more reviews on Goodreads.
I hope you find some hygge in your life this January!
