Home for the Hygge-ing
In the United States, we have always championed the "rat race" mentality. And it benefits us in many ways, but it may also leave us egregiously bereft. The current pandemic has shed a light on this as people struggle with the constraints of quarantine. As we enter the colder months that don't as easily allow for many socially-distanced activities outside, many of you may be feeling anxiety as the days grow shorter. In the land of the brave we have been raised to "go big or go home," but what if I were to tell you there is more joy than you can imagine when you "go small and stay home?"
Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and think: coziness... warmth... connection...contentment...
Hygge.
I apologize if this last word just took you out of your reverie, but guess what β exactly what you were visualizing IS hygge. Pronounced "hoo-gah", The Norwegian word hygge doesn't have a direct translation in English, but is something, I believe, we sorely need. A few definitions are, "the art of valuing intimacy," "creating a peaceful environment," and even "cocoa by candlelight." Wikipedia says it is "a word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment."
There is no right or wrong way to hygge β a word that can be a noun, verb, and adjective certainly lends itself to interpretation. There are what I like to call the hallmarks of hygge: wool socks, your favorite sweatpants, a good book with a warm beverage of choice, snuggling by candlelight...you get the idea. The warm fuzzies of the human existence.
But, you may have a form of hygge that is completely original. Maybe you love scrapbooking. Maybe you love jumping naked into the snow and then swiftly into your hot tub β shocking, but still hygge. The only real guideline, if you can even call it that, is to try to keep it as analog as possible, but even this, I believe, is flexible. If there is an electronic component, I just think that it has to be thoughtfully intentional. I certainly think settling in for a rom-com or thriller du jour with your honey is hygge to the max β because it makes you feel GOOD.
I happen to love some reliable hygge classics, but I also have some that specifically speak to me and my individual brand of well-being. In the hopes that it will inspire you to come up with your own hygge traditions over the next few weeks and months, here are just a few things I look forward to making time for:
Stretching in front of my big living room window while watching the snow fall.
Indulging in slowly cooking and then enjoying a big breakfast spread β frittata and sticky buns are a must!
A great book with a piping hot mocha (Predictable? Maybe. Any less satisfying? Absolutely not!).
Heading out on an early morning ski tour and enjoying an al fresco breakfast before skiing down.
S'mores around a wood fire (indoor fireplace or fire pit).
Going for a long run while listening to a favorite podcast (Malcolm Gladwell's Revisionist History and Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend are thought-provoking and pure fun respectively).
Turning the alarm off and spending the entire morning cuddled up in my comforter with a book I can't put down (Who am I kidding? With a 5-month old, this bit of hygge is a pipe dream, but someday!).
Snowshoeing with only the sound of the snow crunching as my soundtrack.
Pulling out my box of old photos and spending a morning reminiscing.
Drawing cartoons and then sending them to friends.
Swapping backrubs or foot massages with my significant other while watching a silly comedy.
Making homemade kettle corn and then sitting down for a riveting card game (or board game or puzzle).
As you can see from my list, there are no rules, only a celebration of what makes me feel all of those warm, cozy, feel-good feels β self-care at its best, in my opinion. So whatever small, doable things wrap your soul in love and bring a smile to your face, make them happen. As we wait out these uncertain times, staying close to home does not have to be a sentence of boredom. Instead, look at it as an opportunity to settle into contentment, and connect with your inner peace.
Happy Hygge-ing, Everyone!
Kaylin's Salmon Nibbles
This is less of a recipe than a jumping-off point. KvarΓΈy salmon is SO delicious that I rarely have any leftover after dinner, but when there is a small portion left, to stretch the flavor, I love to get creative with crackers!
Much like hygge, it is all up to interpretation --> and what you have in your fridge.
On this particular day I had some super-aged cheddar that needed to get eaten and extra caramelized onions from another meal.
Add that to the salmon with a smear of honey dijon mustard atop a buttery cracker (apple slices optional) and voila β a fun, easy nibble to accompany or cap off any hygge session of choice!
So next time you are left with a smidgen of this and a smidgen of that, don't hesitate to try something new and enjoy a combination of flavors!
