As I landed in Denmark several years ago for a very special music conference, I was overwhelmed with the feeling of warmth from the people, in the restaurants and bars, with a general feeling of wellbeing.
As I strolled along the canal on a freezing January afternoon, the sheepskin rugs that adorned every chair outside the bars and eateries, and glow of the outside log burners and heaters filled the air with a feeling of comfort and welcome.
So when I started to learn about Hygge, which is the Danish way of keeping that feeling of warmth and security, in spite of the temperature outside, it brought back all those memories.
It is not surprising therefore that Denmark has again been voted one of the top three countries for happiness of its inhabitants. This is not to do with money, and in fact Denmark has a stable government but very high taxes. But the people are happy to pay, as they feel it will just add to their own economy and provide even more security and comfort.
After some research, the best summary of this philosophy is depicted in Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness by Marie Tourell Søderberg. As one great review says ‘Others books will tell you how to be hygge. This is the only book that will show you’ and this is true. Read on to discover the outline of the book in a nutshell, as the description does not disappoint the reader, and I fully recommend that as we are struggling to find solace in these post festive Winter months, there is a way of overcoming and even relishing the colder climes without drinking too much wine or spending too much money with retail therapy.
‘Though we all know the feeling of hygge instinctively few of us ever manage to capture it for more than a moment.
Now Danish actress and hygge aficionado Marie Tourell Søderberg has travelled the length and breadth of her home country to create the perfect guide to cooking, decorating, entertaining and being inspired the hygge way.
Full of beautiful photographs and simple, practical steps and ideas to make your home and life both comfortable and cheering all year round, this book is the easy way to introduce hygge into your life.’
So are you ready for a big hygge, I know I am, and I am going to make it my business to try it for myself, and bring some joy into my home this Winter – the Danish way!
