When the magic of Christmas fades, it is hard to hold on to that holiday hygge. My Scandinavian kinsfolk use this term—hygge—to describe the warm, cozy feeling you get when you curl up with a good book in front of a crackling fire. Or when you share conversation with friends over steaming cups of cocoa. The Norwegians call this feeling koselig, but the Danish word hygge is more familiar to most of us. Either way, it is the state of mind many of us yearn to hold on to long after the last Christmas decorations have been packed away for the year.
In Holy Hygge: Creating a Place for People to Gather and the Gospel to Grow, author Jamie Erickson writes, “Hygge is simple but sophisticated, warm and inviting, homemade and rustic. Hygge is the opposite of hustle. It eschews over-abundance. It savors. It takes things slow and envelopes you in sanctuary. In a world largely defined by rush, hygge welcomes rest. It invites you to enjoy the simple pleasures of slow living, savored moments, and fostered friendships.”
A deeper holiday hygge
Our desire to hold on to that holiday hygge stems from the ache within each one of us to experience comfort, connection and community. In the grind of daily living, we hunger for contentment and belonging. We are too often weary, and we seek an inviting atmosphere that affords us rest and welcomes us into a space where we are known. Hygge is the secret ingredient that helps create that space.
Join me at The Washington Institute for Faith, Vocation and Culture to explore the deeper meaning of hygge. Learn how to tap into its quiet power—not only at Christmastime, but all year long.
Continue reading my full article, A Deeper Holiday Hygge here.