Embracing the Art of Hygge
The days are finally getting longer! Still, have you noticed that spring can really drag its feet getting here? Until it does we have to contend with the long dark of Canadian winters, and that can knock the stuffing right out of us. We could white knuckle our way through it, but to merely endure winter seems a pretty grim approach. We could try to ignore it and carry on as though winter makes no difference in our life, but I think we instinctively feel the urge to hibernate, at least for a while. We’re craving a slower, gentler rhythm to life in these cold, dark months.
Denmark has embraced the concept of hygge (pronounced hyoo·guh) to help Danes cope with their own long dark winters. Hygge is one of those cultural concepts that can be difficult to translate perfectly to someone who hasn’t absorbed it through living it. Try this: picture yourself sitting in front of a warm and crackling fire, candles lit, quiet music playing in the background, a steaming cup of something delicious beside you, and a cat in your lap (or a dog warming your toes). It’s dark outside. You’re wearing your most favourite comfortable clothes, and if you’re into people, the ones you like the most are with you. If you can imagine yourself in that scenario, you know what hygge is.
For the Danes, hygge isn’t only about coziness and candles. It’s about embracing life, but perhaps in a quieter way than the more frenetic pace of summer. They believe in dressing well for the weather and getting outdoors. We are lucky to live in Niagara - we can walk along the trails throughout the region and appreciate so much natural beauty around us. Or play a game of pickup hockey if that’s more your speed! Getting daylight into your eyeballs and fresh air into your lungs will do wonders for your wellbeing. To help you get outdoors this winter, the library has Ontario Parks passes, Niagara Parks passes, and a collection of outdoor equipment including snowshoes and walking poles available for you to borrow. We also have light therapy lamps if you could use that boost of extra daylight. Check our catalogue for availability.
Another hygge-approved idea is to Invite friends over to share hospitality. Keep it simple, though! Remember: calm and cozy. Prepare a nourishing soup, bake some cookies, and play a board game or two. Gathering with loved ones can cheer up the grey days. If you’re looking for recipes, explore our extensive cookbook collection - and browse our board game offerings at the same time!
It’s natural for life to turn more indoors in the winter months. We can take advantage of this by exploring a new hobby, learning a new skill, or trying a new language. Are you interested in leather working? The art of bonsai? Bookkeeping? NFPL can get you started with books of course, but we also have Mango to help you learn a language, and Creativebug with hundreds of classes on various crafts and hobbies.
Not to be overlooked is the gentle art of doing nothing. We have the urge to hibernate for a reason because we benefit from having a season of quiet. It allows for reflection, creativity, insight, decreased stress levels, and increased mindfulness. This is where hygge coziness really shines: candles, blankets, fuzzy socks, cookies, and cats are a gentle hug for your spirit when you need a balm on the grey days that feel endless.
As well as the specific resources named above, the library has others to help you hygge, starting with some great books about hygge itself. However you choose to hygge, may it be cozy!
And for books on the art of hygge, check out our new book list: nfpl.info/Hygge