At one point or another, you may have heard the Norwegian and Danish term hygge, pronounced “hue-guh.” Over the last several years, the endearing word has become more widespread in the U.S. and was named one of the top words of the year in 2016. The translation of “coziness” doesn’t fully capture the meaning of the hygge, as it encompasses the broader idea of appreciating and savoring the truly rich moments in life. In a similar vein, the Norwegian word kos emphasizes the warmth of togetherness and being with loved ones.
As the days get shorter this winter, there’s no better way to embrace light and coziness than by making hygge and kos part of your routine. Here are a few ways to integrate these ideals into your life this season.
Add candles around your home
As darkness sets in earlier in the evening, create a bright cozy space by arranging candles in your home. You can opt for small tealights (consider placing them in a small glass container for a nice extra touch), choose something festive and scented, or even go with battery-operated candles. Keep in mind that candles aren’t just for the evening—you can also spruce up cold mornings by lighting a few in your kitchen to enjoy while making breakfast and drinking coffee. If you’re feeling extra inspired, adding twigs and leaves as decorations by the fireplace or windowsill can also enhance your home’s atmosphere.
Walk outside with friends
Hygge and kos reflect the Scandinavian values of time in nature and friendship, so heading out for a hike or casual walk around town is the perfect way to embrace the idea. Whether it’s a sunny fall day or cold and snowy, bundling up and spending time in nature is a sure way to get some fresh air and reconnect with the present moment. Time with friends and family doesn’t always need to be spent doing something extravagant—strolling through the woods or in the neighborhood can be the perfect way to enjoy each other’s company.
Warm up with homemade drinks and baked goods
Beverages like tea, coffee and even mulled wine set the stage for a cozy atmosphere. To make the most of the moment, enjoy your drink with a good book and a cozy blanket. Or, play some good music and spend an afternoon in the kitchen making your favorite kind of bread or sweet treat, like fattigmann or skolebrød.