Savor the Moment: “Smell the treat before you eat it. Linger over a good conversation at dinner. Choose enjoyment over accomplishments and possessions.”
Build a Comfortable nest: Blankets, pillows, soft pajamas may help – Make a a “hyggekrog,” a nook, a place where you cuddle up with a blanket, a book and a cup of tea. ~ Meik Wiking, author of The Little Book of Hygge
Set a soft mood: Candles, soft music (or silence), ambient lighting
Embrace nature: Take a stroll or leisurely bike ride; bring the outdoors in with wood, herbs, flowering plants.
Feed your senses: “Warm your hands around a steaming fragrant mug” of mulled cider, your favorite tea or coffee.
Candlewick, 1975
Kerosene lamp with grapes, 1975
Bath Towel, 1975
Trench coat detail, 1975
Candle, lamp, and coat
Snuggle me with light and warmth
Kettle steam breathes hope
~ MLB
Teakettle, 1975
Pastiche, 1976
Note: The accompanying pencil sketches were rendered by artist Cliff Beaman while taking a drawing class in graduate school at Florida State University in 1975. The pastiche of cake and milk was created later.
Hygge, taking pleasure in comfortable, soothing things, fits February when stiff winds blow while the earth continues to rest. I have written about the Danish practice of Hygge before, which is why this post is titled How to Hygge, Part II.
One or more of the pictures above may evoke feelings of comfort and/or nostalgia for you.
In 2016, The New Yorker published an article on the charms of Hygge:
* * *
What spells “hygge” for you these days?
Thanks for sharing here!
A fire in the fireplace, a cup of tea, soft music, and a book. Aahhhh …
Arlene, you are # I today, yay! Thanks for getting the conversation started here and for helping us visualize a soothing setting. 🙂
Very cozy, Marian!
I believe you create a coziness in your kitchen where you “cook” on both your stove . . . and your computer. Thanks, Merril!
😀
Sitting in the sun reading. Love the drawings. Cliff is so talented as is his wife!
I wonder if Spain is as sunny in winter as in summer. The sun certainly stimulates creativity. Thanks for the compliment; I’ll pass it on to Cliff. 🙂
It is just as sunny here in the winter as in the summer, just not as hot. We get the odd cloudy day but very seldom. We are so lucky and I love the sun.
Anywhere that I’m able to feel the warmth of the sun.
I believe the sunshine elevates mood, perfect for a writer of romance novels. Thanks for checking in, Jill! 🙂
Baking. And lots of blankets/throws strewn around the house. That’s my current definition of Hygge.
A warm house and the cozy texture of blankets. I’m with you on this, Ally!
Going to get that hot cup of tea now!
I followed my morning coffee with a cup of tea, thanks to your suggestion, Shirley! ((( )))
What lovely illustrations! Yay, Cliff! And a great topic, Marian! I can’t help thinking of my Sherpa blanket and the view from my balcony. Wrapped in a blanket and looking down on a blanket of snow makes me feel cozy! A mug of tea or hot apple cider is great too.
I’d love to have our brown grass covered with a blanket of sparkly white snow, if only for a day or two. You make me thirsty for hot cider. So good! Thanks for the suggestion – and the compliment for Cliff, which I’ll be sure to pass on. 🙂
Alone with my thoughts as the sun streams through the window before me.
You remind me that the sun chases away the winter blues. I like the idea of being alone with my thoughts too. Thanks for reminding me of a good way to begin my mornings, Liz! 🙂
You’re most welcome, Marian!!
I’ve raised children since I was 15 I still have one more to go at 17 who graduates this year and off to college she’ll go. I have never imagined what life would be like just my husband and I. With Samantha’s studies and work we hardly see her.
Here in this lovely winter snow quiet breakfast with my husband before he leaves for work. Looking forward to his return to a wonderful supper. Wow I praise God for the peace love and coziness of apt living. Just never thought it would be so nice.
Enjoy this time in life.
Gloria, you certainly deserve a break from all the child-care you’ve done over the years. I’m glad that now you are in a season of life where you can enjoy a bit of solitude and silence. Your husband is one lucky man to have you in the kitchen preparing a delicious meal this evening.
One of my fondest memories is photos of you with my mother, preparing food together. Thanks so much! 🙂
I praise God for that precious day. I learned how to make chicken corn soup. Which is still a family favorite.
Gloria, I think of my mom every day and miss her so. I know you remember how to make her chicken corn soup, but if you want to see her peeling potatoes and also some recipes, you can refresh your memory here: https://marianbeaman.com/2020/01/15/a-souper-day/
I’m glad we both have known a remarkable woman. Thanks for the sweet reply. ((( )))
My grandfather’s rocking chair (even though one arm remains wobbly/broken in my sunny bedroom with windows both east and south: best part about our house. My reading nook, most of the time.
Your grandfather’s rocking chair would probably not feel the same if you fixed the wobbly arm. Like you, I require a sunny nook for reading, which helps both vision and mood I think.
I appreciate your comments, Melodie. Thank you!
I have my hands wrapped around a hot cup of Ginger tea as I was reading this. Toes toasty on a heating pad and a Giving shawl draped around my legs. Today’s BLOG is a perfect example of my ‘hygge’ lifestyle during this unusually cold winter we are having in north Florida. Fresh new library book awaits me for an afternoon tea read in a sun-warmed cozy den. As always, Cliff’s art is spectacular.
You painted a warm and cozy picture with your words here, Carolyn. Thanks to you, I had a cuppa ginger tea to chase my morning coffee – ha!
Cliff will read your compliment because he often reads comments in this column, probably in a day or two. 🙂
A mug full of hot ginger tea. A pair of thick comfy socks. And a good book. YES!
I imagine Idaho winters are cold and snappy, Laurie.
Quite a while ago we went skiing on Silver Mountain close to Coeur d’Alene when we visited the Beaman family in Spokane. I don’t remember what we drank after the adventure, but I guarantee you it was something WARM. 🙂
I loved Cliff’s sketches, a perfect accompaniment to ‘hygge’! Your post is a good reminder to take time to pamper myself, and what better month to do it than February!
You and I come from an ancestry with a strong work ethic. But even farmers let the land lie fallow in winter.
I agree: We certainly need reminders to pamper ourselves, especially in this season. Thanks for chiming in today, Elfrieda!
All those lovely comforting things that adorn the home Marian thanks for sharing yours. Time on my own reading with a cup of tea, coffee or plain water makes me feel content. I love the sketches by Cliff.
Susan, you are the first to mention water, a good thing as you are hydrating yourself in a South African summer. I’m glad you enjoyed Cliff’s sketches; I’ll make sure he sees your mention. Thank you! 🙂
And maybe a bit of silent snow falling outside the window. Great drawings, Cliff!
As artist and author, you can appreciate the drawings more than most. I long for silent snow. It put a coat of silence on the world if just for a short time. Thanks for stopping by, Joan!
I think that’s why it was so important to me to create a space for me in our home. With the main floor now an office for Hubby and the basement a classroom, I was confined to my bedroom. It’s lovely but not so conducive to creative ventures. This room is bright and filled with things that give me pleasure. I have space for my laptop, a scrapbook or fabric and patterns. And, of course, always a cup of tea. I curl up in bed in the afternoon to work on my Bible study homework. There I am embraced by blankets and God’s presence. Thank you for sharing this great word/concept and the stunning drawings! 🙂
Thanks for the descriptions of your home spaces, Jenn. I am always fascinated by seeing where writers create their work. Readers, here is a glimpse of Jenn’s special space on her blog today: https://jennsmidlifecrisis.wordpress.com/2021/02/03/cees-fun-foto-challenge/
((( )))
P. S. I don’t blame you for “stealing” the bear – ha!
I like to sit in the mornings in my PJs and write with a cup of tea at my side. I haven’t had this luxury since I got back to work on 7 January.
How you juggle writing, work, and family is simply awesome, Robbie. I hope you can carve out some “alone” time very soon. Thanks for stopping by with a comment today, Robbie! 😀
Cliff always creates beautiful images. With 2 feet of snow the last few days, it’s been a challenge to feel cozy and relaxed. This morning, my helper plowed the driveway and an area below the barn so I can get out with the dogs more easily and also get my car out if I have to, but it’s having a nice rest in the garage so I won’t disturb it. A cup of green tea, a dry log to put in the woodstove, and beautiful bright birds at the feeder.
My guess is that Orlena is responsible for the blizzard. I’m glad you know you are not trapped even if you choose not to get out on snowy roads with your car.
Thank you for your description of “hygge” today with a peek outside at the bird feeder, Elaine. If they are bright, maybe the sun is shining on them and on the snow. 🙂
Lovely drawings. Cliff truly is a very talented artist.
“Carpe diem” has always been my moto; I’m sure you’re just the same. 😉
Seize the day! I love that you mention that phrase. Even on slow days we can take time for self-care. Thanks for adding to the conversation here, Fatima. 🙂
👍❤
Love this, Marian. Brings memories of cozy days indoors during Pennsylvania snowstorms … although I’m glad I’m not there this week!
Until COVID I rarely sat down in my own house, constantly dashing here and there. Now I often settle into a spot on my sofa fortified with magazines, blankets, etc., that my boyfriend and I call my nest. Now I have a proper name for it!
I think we used to call the nesting we are doing now “cocooning.” I’m glad you have found a cozy place to READ and stay WARM.
Although, like you, I’m glad I don’t have to battle a blizzard, I do miss the beauty of gently falling snow. Thanks for checking in today, Lorrie. 🙂
My husband and me, curled up with our two dogs between us, is how we do Hygge in our house. We found our small poodle and our large mystery mix dog abandoned on the streets years ago. We thought we were rescuing them, but it turned out that they have rescued us. ❤❤
Lovely post, Marian. Now I have learned a new word. 😀
Your chat here helps me visualize “Hygge” where you live, Linda Lee. How fortunate that you have the comfort of pets, both human and canine – ha! 🙂
Lol! You’re right!
Perfect February pick-me-up… <3 Thanks, Marian. xo
I’m glad you like the theme this week. . . . You’re always welcome, Bette!
Do stay warm in Maine. Remember: Spring is just around the corner, at least on the calendar. 🙂
Your Cliff is certainly a talented artist. My Hygge is in Mexico, and I’m really feeling the lack of not being able to go. For now my Hygge is when I sleep. <3
Debby, you work so very HARD, managing groups on Facebook, keeping up with your blog, supporting other authors, and reading/reviewing books and movies. And who knows what else! Sometimes I worry about your doing too much. I hope you take some time each day to just “vege.”
Your support here is always appreciated and I will surely pass the compliment on to Cliff. Stay warm and safe, my friend! 😀
You are too kind my friend. Thank you for your good wishes. Right now all those things I buzz around doing keep me sane! And I am writing, just not gotten back to my book that is collecting dust waiting for me to book in with the editor. I’m am just digesting my newish role as caretaker of everything and trying to process life in this holding pattern.
Also, interesting that I came back to this post after replying a week ago. I thought I never received a reply from you, and that was very unlike you, so I popped back in to see if my comment went through and then saw your reply. WP never notified me of your reply and it always does, so forgive my tardiness and I’m chocking up one more mysterious tech event with WP this week in mercury retrograde. Even my own blog gave me grief all week. <3
I certainly understand. Some things we can’t control, like WP goofiness. And adjusting to a new role in care-taking isn’t easy either, as I know from experience. (((hugs)))
<3
Just reading your post gave me some Hygge! And my poor guy – it’s COLD out but the sun finally peeked through as I read “take a stroll” and I said (too enthusiastically for him) LET’S GO FOR A WALK WHILE THE SUN IS OUT! Did I mention we got 20 inches of snow? We’ll have to wear our sunglasses because of the glare! Then we’ll come home and I’ll warm up a mug of hot chocolate. With whipped cream on top for extra Hygge.
Cliff’s drawings are excellent. They should be framed and hung in your kitchen, particularly the tea kettle and the candlewick.
Yeah, Orlena really did a number on you. I’m sure my sister in PA got it too.
I would like the “hygge” of gently falling snow for a day or two, but then – back to the SUN. I remember the glare of glistening snow, but I don’t remember wearing sunglasses.
I think you instigate lots of fun with your GUY – ha!
Cliff will appreciate your comment. Right now he is digitizing his artwork because there is SO much of it. Always good to hear your thoughts here. Thanks, Pam!
Andy & I have been enjoying the warmth of our fireplace during these cold days. Coffee & hot chocolate are our warm drinks. I occasionally drink hot tea, too. Cliff’s sketch of the old kerosene lamp brought back memories. When I was growing up in West Virginia, when we would have a power outage my grandmother would “light” her old kerosene lamp. I didn’t think anything of it back then, but now I realize how special it was.
Well, Bonnie, I’ve put e-candles in our fireplace this winter – no fire or fumes but the feeling of warmth. You may have gas.
The kids bought us a chiminea which we fill with pinecones and wood to burn outside. I’m glad you and Andy are enjoying warm drinks around your fireplace these days, so cozy.
Your memory of your grandmother reminded me of why we had a kerosene lamp too. When we lived in Killarney, we’d light the lamp when the electricity went off. Just a little light makes a big difference. Thanks for sharing, Bonnie! 🙂
Hi Marian – I love these sketches, especially the tea kettle!
Thanks, Barbara. I’m glad you enjoyed them! 🙂
Cliff’s sketches are incredible, Marian. Such a talented husband you have. Wow! You are both artists, in different forms, a compatible, kind, and lovely pair. 🙂
These days, hygge to me means getting comfy on our tiny dinette bench in the evening, curled up in our sleeping bag, to catch up on reading blog posts. 🙂 Two problems: Mark will need the sleeping bag soon as he goes to bed earlier than me. And, my internet data is limited and expensive. Still chilly in Baja! Happy weekend, my friend!
Chilly in Baja, that’s surprising, but you’re warmer than most in this hemisphere, that’s for sure. Yes, Cliff and I are compatible most of the time as are you and Mark. The bedtime for us is flipped though, Cliff the night owl.
If you are paying a lot for internet these days, comments here can wait. Thanks for checking in today, Liesbet. Stay warm, stay safe! 🙂
I have been following the Hygge rule for a long time and adore its concept , in fact , it’s truly got me through many a Welsh winter .. I have read Miek Wiking’s book and many more on the subject . I have been hungry for all books I can find because winters can be bleak here and we should celebrate them instead of battling against them.
For me it’s a sloppy joe jumper , candles , hot chocolate and blooming good book 📚📚🤔
Love your hubby’s art work .
Cherryx
I don’t deny it . . . didn’t know what a sloppy joe jumper was exactly though I could guess. So, I looked it up: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/572238696380431709/ Just in case other readers are as clueless as I was – ha!
You are wise: Celebrate the weather instead of battling against it. Actually, there is nothing we can do about the weather anyway. I always look forward to your comments, Cherry. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! ((( )))
Ahhhh… I’m like the white rabbit again.. sigh.. when its warm everywhere its difficult to snuggle.. But today we have welcome rain it hasn’t rained for a long while… although not freezing there is a slight chill in the air
so I am snuggled with a light shawl and ginger tea and all I can hear is the patter of raindrops which I love… Cliffs artistry is amazing my passion is pencil drawings and pastels… Have a lovely hygge, Marian 🙏x
Your image of snuggery is very comforting. Rain invites listening to the patter of drops on the roof and drinking ginger tea, which seems to be the beverage of choice for several readers here. I know you know that ginger is good for the digestion.
As a matter of fact, I like white rabbits – ha! Thanks for checking in today, Carol. 😀
Thank you!
You’re welcome, Len! 🙂