What could possibly be more hygge for the first day of a New Year than reading about the happiest country on earth while having a cup of tea? Maybe just reading it in a cabin near a fireplace. But what is hygge (pronounced HOO-gah)?

“The word ‘hygge’ originates from a Norwegian word meaning ‘well-being’. For almost five hundred years, Denmark and Norway were one kingdom, until Denmark lost Norway in 1814. ‘Hygge’ appeared in written Danish for the first time in the early 1800s, and the link between hygge and well-being or happiness may be no coincidence.”

Denmark is one of the most expensive European country to live in. The taxes are very high and the long, cold winters have over 17 hours of darkness per day. Despite all this Denmark has still been ranked the happiest country in the world. Hygge is the key to happiness. 🙂

Hygge is all about appreciating the simple pleasures in life, rather than accumulating material things. It is authenticity, warmth and togetherness. Hygge means hot drinks, candles, good food (including sweets, yes!), fireplaces, blankets and cushions. If you have a sweet tooth and you happen to be in Copenhagen, you definitely must pass by “La Glace”, the oldest candy store in Denmark:

“If there was an El Camino for cake, La Glace would be the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.”

The Hygge Manifesto has ten aspects to consider: Atmosphere, Presence, Pleasure, Equality, Gratitude, Harmony, Comfort, Truce, Togetherness, Shelter.

“Hygge is about making the most of what we have in abundance: the everyday. Perhaps Benjamin Franklin said it best: ‘Happiness consists more in small conveniences or pleasure that occur every day than in great pieces of good fortune that happen but seldom’.

As Pia Edberg concludes in her book The Cozy Life:

“Hygge has significant benefits to our everyday lives. It will improve your relationships, it’s good for your mental and emotional well-being, and it helps you get focused on what’s really important to YOU!”

The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well – Meik Wiking