Hygge: What It Is and How It Can Save You Money
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So you have heard about the new Danish craze that is hygge (HOO-gah)? Merriam Dictionary defines it as:
Hygge is a quality of coziness that makes a person feel content and comfortable.
I feel with any given “fad” that swirls around the interwebs, there instantly becomes a niche market created that makes someone a whole lot of money.
However, while you can go out and spend a fortune on ways to hygge-ify your home…
.. in my humblest opinion, hygge boils down to simple pleasures that bring you joy and there are plenty of ways you can add sweet hygge touches to your life that will cost you little to nothing at all.
Create a pleasant environment
You don’t have to live in Scandinavia to cozy it up like the Danes; here are some of my favorite ways to hygge at home, no matter where I am:
- Light a candle (specifically in an earthy scent like pine or vanilla, or even better, scents that smell like baked goods)
- No overhead lights, use warm, cozy lighting like lamps and string lights
- Play music, often. One of my favorite things to do in the world is cook while drinking wine and listening to French music (my favorite Spotify station is “French lounge”). Find your go-to playlist for every occasion, especially chores; music makes housework way more inviting, and don’t forget to take dance breaks (I’m not sure that’s hygge, but necessary in my opinion)
- Cozy blankets are an absolute must. Pile as many people underneath them for a family movie night.
Comfy Cozy Clothes
Apparently there is a word in the Danish language for those pants you slip into when you get home after a long day (those pants), they’re called hyggebukser.
I love me some cozy clothes, and if you were ever to knock on my door at a random time when I’m not expecting you, you would find me in some crazy fluffy socks, a heavy sweater, possibly a blanket scarf, and yoga pants. I don’t mess around…I get cold easily, and I hate being restricted by pants.
Hygge clothing doesn’t need just to stay at home, however.
With today’s trends, it is possible to wear nothing but stretch pants and long cozy sweaters, and no one will sit you down for an intervention. I tend to lean a little too heavily toward the comfy section when I’m out shopping, again and again; one of my favorite dresses in the world just so happens to also be my comfiest.
What makes you feel yummy inside when you wear it? What feels the best on your skin? What are you wearing when you feel most yourself? That’s hygge.
Warm Your Belly and Your Heart
Is there anything that feels better than sharing a delicious, home cooked meal and a great bottle of wine with people you love?
I am technically considered an extrovert, most likely, but often I feel like an introvert at heart. I tend to prefer small intimate groups with people I am close with, sitting around sharing food.
One of my most recent hygge moments that I can think of was a night that my husband, myself and our toddler, Bennett went to visit some of our dearest friends on their farm.
My best friend Sammy and I were inside, listening to French music, the wood stove cracking, the heat pumping, and we were cooking up a storm while catching up. Then we all sat around in the kitchen, laughing at our son and his crazy antics.
I freaking loved it, and we created a memory I won’t forget.
Warm Liquids
Yes we mentioned food, and sharing that food with those you love…
But let’s specifically address something oh so dear to my heart…
Hot. Liquids.
Tea, Coffee, hot lemon water…whichever you prefer.
There is something so cozy and nurturing about wrapping my hands around a mug full of hot liquids. It truly is one of my favorite ways to hygge.
So How Does It Save You Money?
Hygge is all about creating a warm feeling of contentment. And if we are honest, those feelings don’t often come with expensive dollar signs.
Those moments of snuggling up under a blanket with your family, or sitting by a fire sharing memories with a friend…are free.
And they last so much longer than anything you could buy.
So here are a few hygge ideas to get you started that won’t cost you a thing…
A few ideas…
- Make cozy stews on a snowy day.
- Invite a few friends over to sit and chat over a pot of coffee.
- Go for a walk in the rain with a hot cup of tea.
- Sit on your front porch with a friend watching a thunder and lightning storm.
- Build a snowman.
- Have friends over for dinner on a Tuesday.
- Go for a picnic.
- Make goodies for a neighbor and hand deliver them.
What is your favorite way to hygge? I’d love to hear it in the comments below!
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