The Hygge Love affair
Winter vibes
Autumn is here and as winter approaches, I fall in love with the world all over again. Sparkly props come out in preparation for the season, for some its late, but for me it marks the middle of September and carries on till January…yes, I am talking about Christmas and my unconditional love for it. It’s the magic galore that truly gets me excited; the food, the decorations, warm steaming cups of mulled wine, hot cocoa, eggnog, gingerbread, fruit cakes, snow falling on the cedar, chestnuts roasting on fire, listening to Christmas carols, the warm smiles from strangers passing by, and basically everything to do with the setting of Charles Dickens and Hans Christian Andersen books that focus on human connection and empathy. If it were up to me I would keep the spirit of Christmas alive 365 days of the year.
Winter sets the perfect scene and mood for me and with chilly and frosty evenings outside, I love the warm glow of the candles, snuggled in a woollen blanket, wearing my hand knitted socks, a book to read, a ball of wool to knit or sketch my imagination away. A fireplace for the extra warmth and a magical effect would be nice but since we don’t have it, candles will have to do for now. Warm food to comfort my soul, as I stir piping hot soups, with freshly baked homemade bread, whip up heart warming desserts and to end it all sip on my luxurious thick hot cocoa with lashes of cinnamon and all spice . Lately, porridge with stewed apples and lots of cinnamon has become my breakfast. Everything in the autumn smells of apple and cinnamon, doesn’t it :). Magic everywhere!
My love for Hygge
I have moved to the right country, Norway where people really focus on doing things that they love, they know how to tap into the little joys of life. In Denmark it’s called Hygge and in Norway it’s called Koselig. I think its their way of dealing with long cold dark winters, where they snuggle on the couch over good food and conversations, or any activity that evokes warm and fuzzy feelings, to focus on the positive and simple pleasures of life.
My whole life has been about living Hygge experiences, which I have been seeking around me and within me. So coming to the Nordics, the entire hygge/Koselig scene resonated with me on all levels and for the first time I feel I can stay put in a country with so much beauty, mystery and charm without having the need to keep moving around like a Nomad. Which is what I have been doing for the last 22 years of my life. Of course, my passion for travelling and the curiosity to discover cultures and habits will never diminish. But, I have finally arrived home!
