This weekend Jen and I reunited in Copenhagen, Denmark. While I adored the colorful buildings in Nyhavn and the various museums and castles we visited, there was one thing about Denmark that will stick with me. I don’t think you can visit Denmark without hearing about the simple phrase Hygge. The word is printed on sweatshirts and blankets and listed in just about every travel blog about Copenhagen. Once you learn about it, you start to notice how the stores, neighborhoods and especially cafes really try to bring out that feeling inside.
Hygge (pronounced hue-guh which makes it even cuter) is a little word that defines the feeling of warmth, coziness and a deeply satisfying feeling of well-being. It’s a feeling of belonging to the moment and celebrating those little moments like being with friends and family or being cuddled up with a warm mug of coffee.
Denmark is cold and cloudy in the wintertime. But instead of dreading winter, I get the sense that Danes really try to enjoy it for what it is and celebrate it with this word. It made an impact on me because once it hits November in Ohio; I really start to get anxious about winter. I know not many people exactly look forward to winter, but for me the months of endless bitter cold and dreary weather really take a toll on how I feel.
This feeling of coziness, connection and celebration is so widely recognized that it’s almost like Danes collectively agree to make the most of winter and this shared positive perspective is almost in the air. The lights are dimmed, thick blankets hang over chairs, and candles are lit. It might get dark before four, and if you weren’t surrounded by charming canals and the smell of Danish waffles you’d think you were in Ohio. The weather is similar but the outlook is so different.
Instead of wishing February away, I’m going to try to embrace hygge a little more. Creating life moments brimming with happiness, comfort, loved ones, favorite things, pets and beautiful books, movies or places. Savoring the present moment and noticing a coziness of the soul. Maybe hygge is part of the reason Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world ☺
BroadsAbroad 
You have discovered the secret of an enjoyable life. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and wisdom in such a poetic way. Perhaps your new calling, waffles on a stick : )
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