Conquer Winter Like the Danes: Get Hygge with It

Here’s a question to ponder while you’re shivering at the bus stop: How does a frost-bound country like Denmark endure long, dark winters at the edge of the Arctic Circle and still manage to top the annual World Happiness Report? It’s down to a cozy concept the Danes call hygge (pronounced hue-ghah, with the “h” sound emphasized as though you’re easing yourself into a hot tub after a long slog in the snow). Here’s what it is and how to hygge at home.

Hot mulled wine + cozy blanket + fire = hygge. | Photo by Meredith

What is hygge?

You might as well get acquainted with it, because “hygge” just made the shortlist for the Oxford English Dictionary’s 2016 Word of the Year. And although there’s no literal Danish to English translation, hygge is about creating a deep sense of emotional well-being, happiness, warmth, and welcome. It’s finding pleasure in everyday moments and practicing healthy hedonism. Sharing the bliss with your social circle is a key component of hygge.

The word itself can be used as a noun when you create hygge, a verb when you get with your friends to hygge, and an adjective when you describe something as hygge or hyggeligt.

How do you hygge?

As you might guess, wintertime—and especially Christmas—is peak season for hygge (Julehygge).  Gathering around a fire, sharing a meal, sipping hot drinks, cozying up with candles and Christmas lights…these are all essential elements of hygge.

I’ll bet you’re doing a lot of that already this winter. But the difference seems to be mindfulness. Slow down and pay attention to it. Let small pleasures sink in and soothe you. Treat yourself and your friends with kindness and care. Eat favorite foods without punishing yourself with guilt. Basically, cut yourself some slack already.

Even snuggling under a blanket and watching that show you like while snacking on something indulgent. Ahhh…now that’s hygge.

Eat, drink, and be hygge.

Candlelight + food + drink + friends = hygge. | Photo by Meredith

You can get in a hygge state of mind with Danish pastries and mulled wine, ideally by candlelight.

Danish Cinnamon Snails

Cinnamon Rolls | Photo by Meredith

Cozy Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine | Photo by Meredith

But don’t limit yourself to Danish cuisine. Everyday comfort food from all over the world deserves a place on your hyggeligt-worthy menu. Share a pan of lasagna, slow cooker stew, macaroni and cheese. Sip hot chocolate with marshmallows, nibble a rich chocolate dessert…it’s all good and it’s all hygge.

You Might Also Like

• Listen to a perfect hyggelig moment as described on NPR by Meik Wiking, the author of “The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well” and CEO of The Happiness Research Institute in Denmark.

• Get a taste of Danish recipes.

• Sip the best hot cocktails for winter weather.

---

Follow me to more cooking tips and recipe inspiration.

---

The post Conquer Winter Like the Danes: Get Hygge with It appeared first on Allrecipes Dish.

from Allrecipes Dish