hygge

[Zoe Girl]

I have been reading about 'hygge' a danish word meaning comfort and more. There are certain elements like soft surroundings, warm drinks, soft lighting, nourishing healthy food, and friends and family. It sounds lovely, heck it is from my ancestors. It is a way of managing the long dark winter partially from what I read. That seems a nice way to manage the seasonally affective issues that many of us have.

One thing I read on pinterest included ideas to make your workspace more hygge. I could really use that! I have a storage closet basically with one outlet. I have to sit on the floor to connect with the printer. I brought in my inflatable meditation cushion to sit comfortably on the floor and work part of the day. But generally the room is piled with supplies and paperwork that is half processed all over my desk. I could put up some nice pictures, bring in slippers and clear my desk so I have room for a nice tea cup.

[rosarugosa]

I like what I've read about hygge too. In the winter I'm more likely to light a candle and have it on the table where I am reading, with a glass of wine or a cup of tea.

[dado potato]

"Hougah"...

I am sitting on an inflated ball as I write this.

Maybe Americans can learn something from Danish society and culture... accentuating the cosy & convivial.

Danes tend to be rich (without working long hours), sexy, fond of communal singing, and unpretentious in their sense of humor (Victor Borge being an exemplar).

Danes take more antidepressants per capita than any other country. Danes also are well above average in the consumption of confectionary and bacon.

They enjoy beer. Typically teenagers around age 15 are introduced to beer consumption by their parents.

And coffee (the finishing touch in Babette's Feast.)

[beckyliz]

I read a book about this earlier this year and am really attracted to it. I think it put into words what I've always liked in my home and gave me focus on how to develop it.

[JaneV2.0]

I saved the following to my quotations file; I've never forgotten it:

“It’s considered a right by Danish people not to be talked to.” Danish researcher explaining to Morley Safer the finer points of his national psyche (in a report on the happiest people on earth)

[ApatheticNoMore]

It's an introverted culture, unlike the U.S. which is an extroverted culture. Yes that means it's likely easier to be an introvert there but likely harder to be an extrovert.

[pony mom]

There's a good YouTube channel by a French woman who designs clothes and talks about French culture. She sometimes lives in Germany and she explains the difference between the two cultures. French people are a food culture, with a lot of time spent outdoors, dining with friends. The Germans, like the Danes and Scandinavians, have cozy, well appointed homes for spending the long cold winters in comfort. So lots of candles, socks, blankets and warm drinks are necessary.

[Yppej]

I always associated Germans with hiking the Bavarian Alps in their lederhosen. Go figure.