I was cruising around Facebook the other day (are you a fan of TravelingMel on FB?) and found this article about hygge.
What’s hygge? It’s a Norwegian word that the Danes co-opted and expanded. It means coziness, but more than that. “It is the art of creating intimacy: a sense of comradeship, conviviality and contentment rolled into one.” It’s sitting around a bonfire in the snow, sipping hot cocoa in the woods, cross-country skiing with friends, and soaking in hot springs. It’s celebrating winter solstice with friends who are also your family.
I love this word. I love this idea.
Last weekend we went for a little hike in Yellowstone. When we got out of the car, the wind was whipping and Finn was protesting. Anders and I went ahead and while Henry cajoled Finn. I was about ready to call it quits, but somehow it all came together and we ended up having a hygge-full walk.
When you live in place that’s cold, dark, and windy, it’s hard to find the hygge. But, it’s in just this sort place that you have to create hygge. That’s our goal for the winter.