The Art of Hygge: From the World’s Happiest People

A few years back my family created the tradition of a Saturday night movie, hosted on those rare weekends when we are all together in our family home. We spread out over the couches and bean bags; blankets and rugs are passed around; someone makes a pot of tea; chocolate is handed out, and we sit back to watch a film together. I often forget the details of the film, but I always remember the activity with fondness.

Recently I have learnt that the Danes would call this Hygge, an event shared by a small group in a warm setting. A cosy family movie is a true hyggelig activity.

The Danes would be the first to admit that their climate is far from ideal.  From March to November, the weather forces Danes to stay indoors. Nine months of the year spent inside is absurd to us sun-loving Aussies, yet somehow the Danes are ranked the happiest people in the world.

According to the Happiness Research Institute , a key contributor is hygge.

Hygge, pronounced hoo-ga or heurgh, loosely translates to “cosiness” or a “feeling of home”. Picture a warm, inviting setting making the indoors the ideal place to be. But hygge is more than just textures, light and a way of arranging things in a room, it is about connecting to the moment and the people around you.

Hygge is a feeling, not an action. Danes not only spend more time with their family and friends than any other European nation, but they are also are calmer and more at peace than their European counterparts. So how do they do it? The Danes create inviting hygge environments, generally indoors, that encourage people to relax and connect with one and other.

Hygge home ideas:

• The use of candles and lamps to form soothing pools of light;
• Share relaxed homemade meals on open platters at informal tables;
• Embrace cakes and sweets, enjoying life’s pleasures; and
• Create cosy nooks around the home with blankets and pillows.