As a person on the internet, you’ve probably heard the Danish term ‘hygge’. I’m a massive, massive fan—when I first read about it, it finally put a word to one of the the things I strive for the most. If you haven’t heard of it, hygge is basically the concept of ‘coziness, togetherness’.
In the winter, this is easy to achieve. You can spend time in the snow, then come in for hot chocolate; have a candle-lit dinner at 5 pm; cozy up with a book under a warm blanket…you get the picture. Hygge, once the cold is gone, is a more elusive concept.
The happy feelings of belonging, and contentment are important to me, so I’m going to share ways that you can capture some warm-weather hygge.
Home:
- Keep your home tidy! KonMari, do the dishes before bed, or finish up any half-finished projects
- Add breezy curtains to any window, or some houseplants
- Get a bird feeder
- Open the windows. Let that Spring air in, and enjoy the sounds
Food:
- Use lots of fresh fruits and veg—both for meals and snacking
- Have a picnic with the fam!
- Go out for ice cream
- Use your oven less
Activities:
- Take a nap in the sunshine, inside or out
- Go to a park, bike, or take a hike as a family, or with friends
- Work on an outdoor project together—plant a garden, do yard work, or anything else your home might need
- Read books, together or individually, and enjoy the peace
Recently, we had a very hygge week. One day in particular started with Gwendolyn and I spending time outdoors in the morning. Later, she helped me prepare dinner—some yummy paninis. When Todd got home, we had a picnic out back in the grass. Afterward, we all curled up on the sofa, and watched The Great British Bake-Off. Hygge.
This weekend, we made pinwheels and fruit salad, then took our picnic lunch up into the mountains, and explored.
can you spot a hiding baby?
We’ve also prepared colorful fajitas; and had a summer feast of brats, deviled eggs, fruit salad, and chips and dip. One week—which I shall definitely be blogging about later—we spent 6 days landscaping. We’ve also been hiking, and to parks. (Remember hygge is always more hygge if you’ve been outside first!)
I hope these ideas help you keep the lovely cozy-togetherness-vibes coming, even as the weather gets warmer. I’m always on the hunt for more hygge, so let me know what Spring hygge looks like for you, too.
Happy hygg-ing!
