What is it?

You have probably seen the term hygge scattered throughout the social media landscape for some time now. I usually say it “hig-gie,” but my research tells me it’s actually “hoo-guh”. Whether I can properly pronounce the word or not, I am a huge believer in the concept behind the word. Merriam-Webster defines hygge as a quality of coziness or contentment.

While the term originates from the sixteenth-century Norwegian term, hugga, which means “to comfort” or “to console,” it is largely associated with Danish culture. This term’s origin has evolved to associate with relaxation, indulgence, gratitude and connection with others. Hygge is about living in the moment, being fully present with people and savoring the simple joys of life.

Doesn’t that sound awesome?

The Heart of Hygge

While images of coffee shops, fresh baking, dinner parties, knitting by the fire, hot beverages, nature walks, homemade decorations and cabins in the woods come to mind when picturing hygge, those are are merely the outward displays of a much deeper concept.

Danes would say that hygge is a lifestyle; a core attitude that desires to bring warmth and connection in the midst of a cold and harsh world. According to the United Nations’ World Happiness Report, Denmark, while cold and bleak, ranks as the world’s happiest nation. One might wonder if their culture of hygge is connected to their reported level of contentment…

In an increasingly fast-paced, divisive, self-focused, distracted, tech-oriented, ambitious and consumeristic culture, we are lonelier than ever. Don’t take my word for it, there are many reports on the “loneliness epidemic” in today’s generation and especially in American culture. With so much emphasis on career aspirations, competition and extreme, often self-imposed busyness, the concept of slow living, simple joys and unplugged time in community is increasingly rare.

Perhaps we could learn a thing or two from Denmark and the hygge lifestyle.

A Communal Endeavor

Hygge believers advocate that the elements of personal comfort and connection with others are inseparable. Pursuing coziness, comfort and slow living without truly connecting with other human beings in a community is incomplete and therefore not true hygge.

In my personal study of hygge, I ran across a Ted Talk that honed in on the core values that allegedly make Denmark rank so high on World Happiness Index. According to the speaker, trust was the top-ranking reason that Danish culture ranks the happiest in the world. Danes prioritize trust as a core cultural value and place tremendous emphasis on faithfulness to one’s word and community. Genuine community living, therefore, is deeply embedded in their hygge culture and prioritized even ahead of monetary gain and personal ambition.

Personal Inspiration

Personally, I believe hygge culture is on point— more than on point actually. I believe it’s orientation around simple living, gratitude and connection with others plucks at the very heartstrings of our created design.

Recently at church and Bible study we have been discussing the topic of human flourishing according to God’s design. Scripture emphasizes the absolute connection between personal flourishing and doing life within a thriving community (Acts 2:42; Galatians 5:13; Philippians 2:4 to name a few). According to God’s design, our personal flourishing isn’t complete unless it’s overflowing into the lives of others.

While hygge is a broad term for a certain lifestyle—it’s orientation around cozy hospitality and meaningful connection reinforces our hardwired need for fellowship in order to truly flourish. After all, what is the point of prospering in all of our personal aspirations if we can’t share that joy and blessing with others?

Personally, this has been very convicting to me. As a hardcore introvert, I can be very comfortable by myself. I am easily content focusing on my personal time and goals without making time to plug in around me. It takes consistent and intentional effort to do life with others and sometimes I just don’t feel like doing the work. And while personal flourishing and contentment is wonderful, I wasn’t created to do life alone. All of my gifts, dreams, resources and blessings were created to overflow and be shared with those around me. And truthfully, apart from a thriving relationship with God, that meaningful connection with others is what my soul most truly desires.

Hygge Goals

I think hygge culture is a tremendous model for well-rounded living. There is room to pursue meaningful personal hobbies and relaxation while still connecting regularly and intentionally with others.

I don’t know about you, but I need much more hygge in my life. I want this attitude of simple living and connection with others to cement into my heart. I want to challenge myself to pursue fellowship more intentionally and allow the cozy, grateful attitude of hygge to warm the long winter days with new joys.

What about you?

There is definitely so much more to hygge than I mentioned in this post. In fact, there are entire blogs and books devoted to the concept. But now I’d love to hear from you—how do you feel about hygge? Have you heard about this lifestyle before? I would love to hear your thoughts about hygge and happiness and if you have adapted any aspects of this lifestyle!