You’ve probably seen a new word popping up everywhere lately: Hygge
Pronounced “hoo-ga,” hygge is an important part of Danish culture and may contribute to the fact that Denmark is one of the happiest places on earth, even with freezing cold winters.
Hygge translates roughly to mean cozy, content, enjoying the simple things in life. It can be best understood through feeling: cozying up with a loved one and watching a movie, eating a warm meal with family and friends, or sitting alone in thick socks and a warm drink next to a fireplace with a favorite book. Candles, blankets, oversized sweaters, comfort food – all these things bring a level of hygge to your life.
Bring some hygge into your life this winter with these titles:
The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well, by Meik Wiking
The Little Book of Hygge introduces you to this cornerstone of Danish life, and offers advice and ideas on incorporating it into your own life, like:
- Be here now. Turn off the phones.
- Give yourself a break from the demands of healthy living.
Baking c ake is most definitely Hygge. - Build relationships. Spend time with your tribe.
From picking the right lighting to organizing a hygge get-together, Wiking shows you how to experience more joy and contentment in the Danish way.
ScandiKitchen: The Essence of Hygge, by Brontë Aurell
Discover the essence of
How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life, by Signe Johansen
This lovely, fully illustrated lifestyle book shares the secrets of Scandinavian living and explores the concept of
American Cozy: Hygge-Inspired Ways to Create Comfort & Happiness, by Stephanie Pedersen
The wildly popular phenomenon of hygge gets a warm American twist with this gifty, illustrated guide from bestselling Danish-American author Stephanie Pedersen.
With their overscheduled lifestyles, Americans can’t always find time for the people and things they love. Enter American Cozy, which uses the Danish phenomenon of hygge—comfort, togetherness, and well-being—to bring coziness and ease to readers’ homes, work, and lives. Filled with charming four-color illustrations, it explores the organization and home décor, entertaining, cooking, creating a happier, more productive work life, de-cluttering, and slowing down.
The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Living Well, by Louisa Thomsen Brits
A simple guide with lovely illustrations that explain hygge and how to cultivate the warm, snuggly feelings in your own space.
The Cozy Life: Rediscover the Joy of the Simple Things Through the Danish Concept of Hygge, by Pia Edberg
In today’s world, we’re constantly rushing from one thing to the next and are struggling with information overload. We’re more disconnected from ourselves and our loved ones than ever before. Rediscover the joy of the simple things through the Danish concept of Hygge in The Cozy Life. This book will inspire you to slow down and enjoy life’s cozy moments!
Making winter: a hygge-inspired guide for surviving the winter months, by Emma Mitchell
Want to survive those dark and freezing winter months? The Danish do it with hygge—a concept that’s all about coziness, simple pleasures, and the company of loved ones. Embrace this warmhearted philosophy with these 25 creative crafts and recipes, which range from gorgeous trinkets to snuggly woolens and tasty treats.
Joy of Hygge : how to bring everyday pleasure and danish coziness into your life, by Jonny Jackson
The Joy of Hygge is packed with recipes to warm you on a winter’s evening, craft ideas for decorating your home, and inspirational suggestions for enjoying the magic of everyday pleasures. Learn how to make your life more
Amy C. Manikowski is a writer living in Asheville, NC.
