Hygge (hoo-ga)

Denmark. The happiest country in the world.

I am sure there are a variety of contributing factors but at this time of year in New Zealand when it gets cold and wet I envy their tradition of Hygge. Rather than fight their winter they make every effort to enjoy it, hence Hygge, which roughly translated means “cozy”. While us New Zealanders are busy fleeing our beautiful country between June and August to somewhere tropical the Danes hunker down during their cold months and experience food, friends, family and candlelight.

There is no reason why we can’t embrace this tradition and be thankful for the good things, make our homes cozy and warm, cook good food, drink good wine in some really good company. Perhaps winter wont seem so bad with a positive spin on it.

Of course the Danes have beautiful homes, they are a Design Country, they believe that beautiful aesthetics create positive thoughts and I have to agree so I’ve taken my trolley and created a little vignette of all things Danish, (except the pastries and pork roast), for my families Hygge.